Do you remove cardboard from the bottom of a Whirlpool refrigerator?
No. On a Whirlpool WRX735SDHV03 bottom-mount refrigerator, any cardboard-like panel or cover at the bottom or rear is typically a protective air-flow cover for the machine compartment, so it should stay in place during normal use. Only remove panels when a repair step in the owner's manual specifically calls for it.
We recommend removing only the external packaging materials used for shipping.
- Remove tape and glue residue from surfaces before turning the refrigerator on
- Dispose of or recycle all packaging materials
- Clean the inside before first use
- Keep protective covers and shields that are part of the refrigerator’s structure
A quick check helps prevent airflow problems and component damage.
| Item | What it looks like | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Shipping packaging | Loose cardboard, foam blocks, plastic wrap, tape | Remove and discard/recycle |
| Protective bottom/rear cover | Flat panel secured with screws/clips, often near the compressor area | Leave installed |
| Floor protection for moving | Cardboard placed under the refrigerator while sliding it out | Use as needed, then remove |
That bottom/rear cover helps protect wiring and components and supports proper airflow through the condenser area. Removing it can lead to poor cooling performance, higher run time, and overheating.
Follow safe handling steps first.
- Unplug the refrigerator or disconnect power before servicing
- Pull the refrigerator straight out to avoid floor damage (do not “walk” it)
- Use cardboard or hardboard under the unit while moving it
- Reinstall any covers you removed once service is complete
Last updated: February 2026
Is a bottom mounted refrigerator good?
Yes. A bottom-mount refrigerator like the Whirlpool WRX735SDHV03 is a great choice for everyday convenience because the fresh-food section sits at eye level, so you reach for the most-used items without bending as much. It also supports wide shelves and easy access drawers for frequently grabbed foods.
Bottom-mount (often French door) refrigerators are built around how most households use a fridge: fresh food gets accessed far more than frozen food.
- Fresh foods are easier to see and reach (less bending)
- Wide refrigerator shelves fit platters and large containers well
- Freezer drawer can hold bulky frozen items in baskets or bins
- Better organization for snacks and grab-and-go items
- Often includes in-door water and ice features (model dependent)
Bottom-mount refrigerators are still “good,” but they are not the best fit for every kitchen or budget.
- Freezer access requires bending or squatting
- More moving parts (drawers, rails, door seals) can mean more maintenance over time
- They typically cost more than basic top-freezer models
- They need proper clearance and ventilation space for best performance
| Feature | Bottom-mount refrigerator | Top-freezer refrigerator |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh-food access | Easiest | Moderate |
| Freezer access | Requires bending | Easiest |
| Organization | Strong (drawers, wide shelves) | Basic |
| Typical price | Higher | Lower |
For WRX735SDHV03, correct placement helps cooling efficiency and door operation. We recommend following the spacing and electrical requirements in the owner's manual.
- Allow about 1/2 inch space on each side and at the top
- Allow about 1 inch behind the refrigerator
- Leave enough room for doors to swing open near walls
- Use a dedicated 115 V, 60 Hz grounded outlet (no extension cord)
A bottom-mount refrigerator is “good” when it matches your daily habits and your kitchen layout. Proper clearances, leveling, and power setup reduce noise, improve cooling consistency, and help the doors seal correctly.
Last updated: February 2026
What is the most common problem with Whirlpool refrigerators?
The most common Whirlpool refrigerator problems are cooling complaints (too warm or freezing), ice maker or water dispenser issues, and unusual noises. On the Whirlpool WRX735SDHV03 specifically, many “common problems” trace back to airflow, temperature sensing, or water supply; our owner's manual troubleshooting section walks through the first checks.
- Not cooling well or temperature swings: dirty condenser coils, blocked vents, evaporator fan issues, or a temperature sensor problem.
- Freezer cold but fresh food warm: restricted airflow between compartments or an evaporator fan problem.
- Ice maker not making ice: water supply issue, clogged filter, or ice maker assembly failure.
- Water dispenser slow or not dispensing: clogged filter, air in the line, or inlet valve problem.
- Buzzing, rattling, or clicking: fan blade hitting ice, items vibrating, or normal cycling sounds becoming louder due to airflow restrictions.
- Confirm the refrigerator has power and the controls are turned on.
- Allow 24 hours after installation or major temperature changes for temperatures to stabilize.
- Make sure air vents inside the refrigerator and freezer are not blocked by food packages.
- Clean condenser coils (dust buildup is a top cause of poor cooling and long run times).
- If you have a water/ice issue, verify the shutoff valve is fully open and the water line is not kinked.
If the quick checks do not fix the symptom, these model-matched parts are common next steps:
| Symptom | Common part to check/replace | What it affects |
|---|---|---|
| Bad taste/slow water, weak ice production | Filter, water EDR4RXD1 | Water flow and filtration |
| No ice or intermittent ice | Refrigerator ice maker assembly WPW10300024 | Ice harvest and fill cycle |
| Warm temps or erratic temps | Refrigerator thermistor W10316760 | Temperature sensing and control |
| No water to dispenser/ice maker | Valve-dual w W11043013 | Water fill to dispenser and ice maker |
Cooling and ice maker problems often start small (restricted airflow, a clogged filter, a drifting sensor) but can lead to food spoilage, heavy frost, or constant running. Catching the root cause early helps protect the sealed system and keeps temperatures stable.
Last updated: February 2026
What's the average lifespan of a Whirlpool refrigerator?
Most Whirlpool refrigerators, including the Whirlpool WRX735SDHV03 bottom-mount model, typically last 12 to 15 years with normal household use. Good airflow, clean condenser areas, and staying on top of water filter changes help the sealed system and controls run longer; see the care and troubleshooting guidance in the owner's manual.
A refrigerator’s life is mostly driven by compressor run time, heat removal, and how hard the unit has to work to maintain temperature.
- Ventilation and heat: tight cabinets, dusty coils, or a hot garage shorten life
- Door seal condition: air leaks increase run time and frost
- Ice maker and dispenser use: heavy use adds wear to valves and ice maker components
- Water quality: sediment can stress the water system and reduce flow
- Power quality: frequent outages or surges can stress the electronic control
These are the habits that most consistently reduce strain on a Whirlpool bottom-mount refrigerator:
- Keep vents inside the fresh food and freezer sections unblocked
- Clean spills quickly to prevent odors and airflow restriction
- Replace the water filter on schedule; this model uses the filter, water EDR4RXD1
- Confirm doors close fully and the gaskets seal all the way around
- After a new install or a full defrost/cleanout, allow 24 hours to reach stable temperatures
| Category | Examples | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Routine maintenance | Water filter | Regular replacement helps flow and taste |
| Mid-life repairs | Ice maker, inlet valve, LED lights | Fixing these can keep the refrigerator going for years |
| Major system | Compressor, evaporator, sealed system | Higher-cost repairs; lifespan depends on overall condition |
Knowing the typical 12 to 15 year lifespan helps us plan maintenance and decide when a repair makes sense. If cooling becomes inconsistent, start with basic checks (power, controls, airflow) and then move to targeted diagnosis using the owner's manual.
Last updated: February 2026





