Frigidaire LFTR2021TFA top-mount refrigerator Parts

A top-mount refrigerator like the Frigidaire LFTR2021TFA is better when you want lower upfront cost, strong energy efficiency, and a simpler layout; a bottom-mount is better when you want fresh-food items at eye level and easier access to the refrigerator section. Use the LFTR2021TFA owner's manual to confirm features and setup details for your exact unit.

Top-mount vs bottom-mount: what changes day to day

• Fresh-food access: Bottom-mount puts the refrigerator compartment higher, so you bend less for everyday items.
• Freezer access: Top-mount keeps the freezer at chest height, which is convenient if you use frozen foods often.
• Organization: Bottom-mount designs often have more drawer-style freezer organization; top-mounts are typically simpler.
• Energy use: Many top-mount models perform very efficiently because of simpler airflow and fewer features.
• Repair complexity: Top-mounts often have fewer premium components (displays, extra fans, complex ice systems), which can mean fewer failure points.

Quick comparison

Feature	Top-mount (like LFTR2021TFA)	Bottom-mount
Best for	Value, efficiency, simplicity	Convenience for fresh-food access
Most-used section height	Refrigerator is lower	Refrigerator is higher
Freezer style	Shelf/bin style	Drawer style (common)
Typical maintenance	Straightforward	Can be more feature-dependent

Setup details that matter for either style

Proper installation affects door sealing, temperatures, and energy use. For this Frigidaire top-mount, we follow the clearance and leveling guidance in the documentation:

• Leave 3/8 inch clearance at the sides and top.
• Leave 1 inch clearance at the rear.
• Level the cabinet so all four corners rest firmly on the floor.
• Tilt the cabinet about 1/4 inch (6 mm) front-to-back so doors close and seal properly.

For step-by-step placement, leveling, and water line guidance (if equipped), use the installation guide.

Why it matters

Choosing the “better” style is really about habits: if you open the refrigerator section far more than the freezer, a bottom-mount reduces bending; if you want a reliable, efficient, budget-friendly layout, a top-mount like the LFTR2021TFA is the better fit.

If you decide you need replacement parts for shelves, lighting, or cooling components, you can order model-matched parts from the list for LFTR2021TFA or search by model on Sears PartsDirect.

Last updated: February 2026

Cooling complaints are the most common issue we see with Frigidaire refrigerators, including the LFTR2021TFA: the refrigerator section gets warm, the freezer may still feel cold, or temperatures swing. The usual root causes are restricted airflow (blocked vents, heavy frost), dirty condenser area, or a failing fan or defrost component; the LFTR2021TFA owner's manual troubleshooting section covers several of these common occurrences.

What “most common” looks like in real symptoms

• Refrigerator is warm but freezer seems OK
• Freezer is too cold or not cold enough after a control change
• Unit runs a lot, then struggles to recover temperature
• Frost buildup on the back wall of the freezer (airflow restriction)
• Odors or moisture issues that point to door sealing or airflow problems

Quick checks we recommend first (no parts yet)

1. Confirm controls are set correctly and give the unit 24 hours to stabilize after changes.
2. Check for blocked vents (packages pushed against air returns in the freezer or fresh-food section).
3. Listen for fans: you should typically hear airflow when the compressor is running.
4. Inspect door closing and gasket contact: a small gap can cause long run times and warm temps.
5. Clean the condenser area (dust buildup reduces heat removal and hurts cooling).

Common causes and the parts that often fix them

Problem pattern	Likely area	Example part for LFTR2021TFA
Warm fridge, weak airflow	Evaporator airflow	Refrigerator evaporator fan motor 5304521244
Frost buildup, poor airflow	Defrost system	Refrigerator defrost bi-metal thermostat 5303918634
Loud or no airflow at back/bottom	Condenser airflow	Frigidaire refrigerator condenser fan motor 242018301 and refrigerator condenser fan blade 241639502

Why it matters

A top-mount refrigerator cools by moving air from the freezer into the fresh-food section. When airflow is restricted or heat cannot be rejected at the condenser, temperatures drift, food safety is affected, and the compressor can run longer than normal.

Helpful DIY references

• If your model shows a code or you suspect a control-related issue, use Frigidaire refrigerator error codes.

If you decide to replace parts, order model-matched components from the LFTR2021TFA parts list, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.

Last updated: February 2026

In a Frigidaire LFTR2021TFA top-mount refrigerator, the upper compartment is the freezer. It is designed to keep foods frozen, and it typically houses freezer storage bins, an ice tray (or ice maker on some models), and the freezer temperature/airflow controls (see the LFTR2021TFA owner's manual).

What you will find in the upper (freezer) section

Common freezer-area components include:

• Freezer shelves or bins for frozen food storage
• An ice tray (and an ice maker on some configurations)
• A freezer door rack for smaller items
• An air duct/vent that sends cold air to the fresh food section
• The freezer door gasket that seals the compartment

If your freezer door storage is cracked or missing, a common replacement is the galaxy refrigerator freezer door rack 240534801.

Freezer vs. refrigerator: quick comparison

Compartment	Location (top-mount)	Main job	Typical temperature target
Freezer	Upper section	Freeze and store food long-term	0°F
Fresh food (refrigerator)	Lower section	Keep food cold without freezing	37°F to 40°F

Why it matters

Knowing the correct name helps when you are ordering parts (like a door rack, shelf trim, or a light bulb) and when you are following setup steps such as leveling and door alignment. Proper leveling helps doors close and seal correctly, which protects freezer temperatures and reduces frost issues.

Helpful tips for best freezer performance

• Keep the freezer door closing tightly; a poor seal causes frost and warming
• Avoid blocking vents; airflow is what cools both compartments
• Let hot food cool before loading; it reduces moisture and frost
• Keep items organized so the door closes fully
• Set temperatures after installation and give the unit time to stabilize

For model-specific parts and diagrams for LFTR2021TFA, use the parts list on this page or search by model on Sears PartsDirect.

Last updated: February 2026