What is the average lifespan of a Kenmore Elite refrigerator?
A Kenmore Elite refrigerator like model 11173332220 typically lasts 10 to 15 years with normal household use. Consistent maintenance (cleaning, good airflow, and tight door seals) helps you reach the high end of that range; heavy use and poor ventilation shorten it. See the owner's manual for care and cleaning guidance.
Most refrigerators fall into a predictable pattern: early years are mostly maintenance, midlife brings wear items, and later years bring higher-cost cooling or control issues.
- 10 to 15 years is the normal expected lifespan for a modern refrigerator
- Door gasket condition strongly affects compressor run time and longevity
- Dusty condenser area increases heat load and wear
- Frequent door openings and warm kitchens increase run time
- Water filter neglect can reduce flow and strain the ice and water system
Use these habits to reduce run time and prevent common failures.
- Keep vents inside the fresh food section unblocked
- Maintain stable temperatures (avoid frequent setting changes)
- Replace the water filter about every 6 months (or sooner if flow drops)
- Confirm doors close and seal fully after every use
- Use a properly grounded outlet; avoid extension cords when possible
| Refrigerator age | What we usually recommend | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 0 to 5 years | Repair is usually worth it | Lower wear, parts typically available |
| 6 to 10 years | Repair if the issue is minor | Midlife wear items are common |
| 11 to 15 years | Compare repair cost to replacement value | Higher chance of major cooling/control repairs |
| 16+ years | Replace in most cases | Efficiency and reliability typically drop |
Knowing the expected lifespan helps you plan: if your 11173332220 is past 10 years and you are seeing temperature swings, unusual noise, or ice and water issues, it is smart to troubleshoot early and price parts before a small problem becomes a sealed-system or control-board repair.
For model-specific parts lookups and ordering, start with the parts list for 11173332220 and use Sears PartsDirect if you need to search by model number or category.
Last updated: February 2026
Is Kenmore Elite high end?
Yes. Kenmore Elite is Kenmore’s premium line, and the Kenmore Elite 11173332220 bottom-mount refrigerator is positioned as a higher-end option because it typically includes upgraded design, stronger feature sets (including smart connectivity), and more advanced controls than standard Kenmore models.
In the Elite lineup, “high end” usually shows up as better convenience features, more control options, and a more feature-rich user interface.
Common high-end traits include:
- More precise temperature management and multiple compartments
- Enhanced ice and water features (when equipped)
- Quieter operation and improved airflow design
- Premium finishes and interior lighting
- Smart features such as WiFi connectivity and status indicators
Your model’s documentation describes smart features and indicator LEDs that are typically found on premium refrigerators.
| Feature area | What you may see on this model | Why it feels “premium” |
|---|---|---|
| Smart connectivity | SMART LED and app-based setup | Remote monitoring and connected features |
| Energy management | Smart Grid and Grid Mode indicators | Can reduce or delay energy use during demand events |
| Controls | Control lock and compartment controls | More settings and better day-to-day usability |
For the exact control panel functions and indicator meanings, use the owner's manual.
Higher-end models often have more sensors, control boards, and feature-related components. That means symptoms like “not cooling,” “no ice,” or “error code” can be tied to settings, connectivity, or control logic, not just a basic mechanical failure.
If you’re diagnosing a display or code issue, these guides help narrow it down:
When you’re ready to replace a component (like an ice maker part, water system part, or control-related part), we recommend matching by model number 11173332220 to ensure fit.
- Start with the parts list for Kenmore Elite 11173332220
- If you’re searching across models, use Sears PartsDirect
Last updated: February 2026
What model is my Kenmore Elite refrigerator?
Your Kenmore Elite refrigerator’s model number is printed on the appliance’s rating label; for model 11173332220, the label is typically inside the fresh food compartment (often on a side wall), inside the freezer compartment, or behind the lower kickplate. Use the exact model number from that label when ordering parts on Sears PartsDirect.
Check these common spots on Kenmore Elite bottom-mount refrigerators:
- Inside the refrigerator compartment on the left or right interior wall
- Inside the freezer compartment on an interior side wall
- On the frame just inside the door opening (near the hinge side)
- Behind the lower toe grille or kickplate area
- Near the crisper drawer area (on the wall behind or beside the drawers)
Copy the information exactly as shown on the label.
| Label item | What it’s used for | Example format |
|---|---|---|
| Model number | Identifies the exact refrigerator design | 11173332220 |
| Serial number | Helps date and track the unit | Letters and numbers |
| Electrical ratings | Confirms power requirements | Volts/amps |
Kenmore Elite refrigerators can look similar across multiple model families, but parts like the control board, dispenser components, door gaskets, and ice maker assemblies can vary by model. Using the exact model number from the rating label helps ensure the replacement part fits and functions correctly.
- Match the label model number to the parts listing for 11173332220 before you order
- If you’re troubleshooting controls, lights, or smart features, use the feature descriptions and troubleshooting sections in the 11173332220 owner's manual
- If your display is showing an error code, use a Kenmore-specific code list such as Kenmore 111 model bottom freezer refrigerator error codes to narrow down the likely cause
Last updated: February 2026
How to raise a refrigerator off the floor?
To raise a Kenmore Elite refrigerator model 11173332220 off the floor, we adjust the built-in front leveling legs (and rear rollers, if equipped) until the cabinet sits level and the doors seal correctly. For safety and airflow, we do not set the refrigerator on makeshift blocks; use the leveling system described in the owner's manual.
- Unplug the refrigerator before working around the base.
- Remove the toe grille or kick plate (if your model has one) to access the leveling points.
- Turn the front leveling legs to raise the front of the cabinet.
- Recheck that both doors close on their own and the door gaskets seal all the way around.
- If the unit has rear rollers, use them only for positioning; use the leveling legs for final height.
A refrigerator that is too low, too high, or twisted can cause warm temps, frost, or door leaks.
- Door swing test: doors should close smoothly without bouncing open.
- Gasket test: a dollar bill should drag slightly when pulled from the closed door.
- Stability test: cabinet should not rock at the corners.
- Clearance check: confirm the power cord and water line are not pinched behind the unit.
| What we check | What you want | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Side-to-side level | Bubble centered | Prevents cabinet twist and gasket gaps |
| Front slightly higher than rear | Slight tilt back | Helps doors self-close and seal |
| No rocking | Solid on all corners | Reduces noise and vibration |
If your floor is uneven or you need extra clearance, use a proper appliance platform designed to support a refrigerator’s weight and keep ventilation open. Avoid thick carpet, stacked shims, or soft wood that can compress and throw off door alignment.
Correct height and leveling protect door seals, improve cooling performance, reduce compressor run time, and help prevent water leaks from poor door closure.
You can also find model-specific parts and diagrams for your 11173332220 on this page, or search by model on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
What are the common problems with Kenmore Elite refrigerators?
Common problems on Kenmore Elite refrigerators like model 11173332220 include weak or no cooling, frost buildup that blocks airflow, unusual fan noise, and water or ice maker issues such as leaks or low ice production. Use the 11173332220 owner's manual to match symptoms to the cooling, ice and water, and noise troubleshooting steps.
- Not cooling or warm temperatures: dirty condenser coils, evaporator fan not running, defrost system issue, or blocked vents
- Frost buildup in freezer/back wall: door gasket leak, frequent door openings, or a defrost heater/thermostat/control problem
- Loud buzzing, rattling, or grinding: fan blade hitting ice, condenser fan issue, or the refrigerator not level
- Water under the refrigerator: clogged or iced defrost drain, drain pan issue, or water line seepage
- Ice maker/dispenser problems: restricted water supply, clogged filter, frozen fill tube, or inlet valve issue
- Set controls to normal and allow 24 hours to stabilize
- Check door sealing with the paper test; it should drag when pulled
- Listen for the evaporator fan (press the door switch to test)
- Look for heavy frost on the rear freezer panel (often defrost or door-seal related)
- Vacuum the condenser area and grille to improve heat removal
| Symptom | Most likely area | What to check next |
|---|---|---|
| Fridge warm, freezer OK | Airflow from freezer to fridge | Vents blocked by food, frost behind rear panel |
| Both sections warm | Heat removal or airflow | Coils clean, condenser fan running, doors sealing |
| Clicking or humming | Fan obstruction or start issue | Ice hitting fan, repeated clicking, unit level |
| Water on floor | Defrost drain or water line | Drain trough icing, line fittings, filter seating |
Cooling, defrost, and airflow problems cascade; a small door-seal gap can create frost, frost can block the evaporator, and blocked airflow can warm the fresh-food section even when the freezer feels cold.
If you need replacement parts after troubleshooting, use the model number to search on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026





