Costway EP22672 Household Refrigerator User Manual

Contact Information and Preparation

Contact Us

If you need assistance, please contact Costway customer service. Do not return the item to the store.

• US Email: cs.us@costway.com
• UK Email: cs.uk@costway.com

Before You Start

Please follow these important preparatory steps:

• Read all instructions carefully and keep them for future reference.
• Separate and count all parts and hardware.
• Read through each step carefully and follow the proper order.
• Assemble the unit near its intended location to avoid moving it after assembly.
• Always place the product on a flat, steady, and stable surface.
• Keep small parts and packaging materials away from children to prevent choking hazards.

Safety Precautions

WARNING: Read all instructions before using this appliance. Exercise basic safety precautions.

NOTE: If the refrigerator/freezer was placed horizontally or tilted, wait 24 hours before plugging it in.

1. Use only for its intended purpose as described in this guide.
2. Install properly according to installation instructions.
3. Designed for freestanding installation only; do not recess or build into an enclosed cabinet.
4. Never unplug by pulling the power cord; grasp the plug firmly and pull straight out.
5. DANGER - Risk of Fire or Explosion: Flammable refrigerant is used. Do not use mechanical devices for defrosting or puncture refrigerant tubing.
6. If an old refrigerator/freezer is not in use, remove the doors to reduce danger to children.
7. WARNING: Do not touch cold surfaces in the freezer compartment, especially with damp or wet hands, as skin may adhere.
8. Do not refreeze completely thawed foods. Refreeze only if ice crystals are present or if still cold (below 40°F). Discard any food with off-odors or off-colors.
9. Partial thawing and refreezing can reduce food quality.
10. Do not use electrical devices or sharp instruments for defrosting.
11. Unplug before cleaning or making repairs. For service, contact a certified technician.
12. Do not operate in the presence of explosive fumes.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

CAUTION - Risk of Fire or Explosion: Dispose of property in accordance with Federal or Local Regulations. Flammable refrigerant used.

DANGER: Risk of child entrapment. Before discarding an old refrigerator, remove the doors and leave shelves in place so children cannot climb inside.

Record Model Number, Serial Number, and Date of Purchase. Staple receipt for warranty service.

Parts and Features

The refrigerator includes the following parts:

• Diagram Description: An illustration shows the refrigerator with numbered components.
• 1. Interior Light
• 2. Temperature Control
• 3. Refrigerator Shelves
• 4. Crisper
• 5. Front Leveling Legs
• 6. Refrigerator Door Shelves
• 7. "Dispense-A-Can" Storage
• 8. Freezer Door Shelf
• 9. Ice Cube Tray
• 10. Ice Scraper

Installation Instructions

Unpacking Your Refrigerator

1. Remove all packaging material, including foam base and adhesive tape.
2. Inspect and remove any remaining packing, tape, or printed materials before powering on.

CAUTION: Handle with care when moving to avoid puncturing refrigerant tubing, which can cause fire or explosion.

Leveling Your Refrigerator

• The refrigerator has two leveling legs at the front bottom corners.
• Adjust legs by turning counterclockwise to raise or clockwise to lower the refrigerator.
• Properly leveled doors close more easily.

Proper Air Circulation

• Install in a location with proper air circulation for maximum efficiency.
• Recommended clearances: Sides: 3/4" (19mm), Top: 2" (50mm), Back: 2" (50mm).

Electrical Requirement

WARNING: ELECTRICAL REQUIREMENT - SHOCK HAZARD

• Use a suitable power outlet (120 volts, 15 amps) with proper grounding.
• Do not use three-prong adapters or cut off the grounding prong, as this eliminates grounding and poses a shock hazard.

WARNING: USE OF EXTENSION CORDS - POTENTIAL SAFETY HAZARD

• Avoid extension cords if possible. If necessary, use a 3-wire cord with a 3-blade grounding plug and matching outlet. The cord's rating must equal or exceed the appliance's rating. Do not use cords longer than 12 ft.

Installation Limitations

• Do not install in uninsulated or unheated locations (e.g., garages) as the refrigerator is not designed for temperatures below 55°F.
• Place on a hard, even surface away from direct sunlight or heat sources (radiators, heaters, cooking appliances). Correct any floor unevenness with leveling legs.

Door Reversing (Optional)

WARNING: Follow all steps carefully to prevent the door from falling off, which could cause injury or damage.

Diagram Description: Illustrations show the process of removing and reattaching hinges and doors for reversing the swing.

1. Ensure the unit is unplugged.
2. Remove plug buttons from the left side top of the cabinet.
3. Remove the plastic hinge cover.
4. Remove screws from the top hinge.
5. Lift the freezer door off the center hinge. Place on a non-scratching surface.
6. Open the fresh food door, remove the center hinge.
7. Lift the fresh food door off the bottom hinge. Place on a non-scratching surface.
8. Lay the refrigerator on its back to access the bottom hinge.
9. Remove the bottom hinge.
10. Remove and reinstall the hinge pin on the opposite side of the bottom hinge.
11. Remove screws from the left side top hinge and relocate to the right side.
12. Remove plug buttons from the left side center and install on the right.
13. Relocate the center hinge to the left side, reinsert screws loosely.
14. Align the fresh food door on the left center hinge, ensuring the gasket seals. Secure the bottom hinge on the left.
15. Ensure the fresh food door is sealed and leveled before tightening hinge screws.
16. Raise the refrigerator to the upright position.
17. Place the freezer door on the center hinge, ensuring alignment and gasket seal.
18. Relocate the top hinge to the left side.
19. Replace the hinge cover.
20. Install plug buttons on the right side top of the cabinet.
21. Open and close doors to confirm correct positioning and seal. Adjust if necessary.
22. Wait at least 30 minutes before plugging in to allow refrigerant to settle.

Door Alignment

Freezer Door:

1. Remove the top hinge cover.
2. Loosen top hinge screws.
3. Adjust the door or add a spacer, then tighten screws.
4. Replace the top hinge cover.

Refrigerator Features and Use

Adjustable Temperature Dial

• The dial maintains the selected temperature. Settings range from 0 (warmest) to 7 (coldest).
• Setting 0 stops cooling.
• Initially, set to 4 and wait 24 hours before adjusting.
• (Note: Wait 24 hours after horizontal/tilted placement before plugging in.)

Refrigerator Interior Shelves

To remove or replace a full-width slide-out shelf:

Diagram Description: Illustration shows tilting and sliding a shelf out.

1. Gently tilt the shelf up and slide forward until completely removed.
2. To replace, gently slide the shelf back into place.

Using the Dispense-A-Can

Diagram Description: Illustration shows cans being loaded into and dispensed from a compartment.

• The "Dispense-A-Can" compartment holds up to six cans.
• Load cans from the top. Dispense by drawing one from the bottom.

Crisper

Diagram Description: Illustration shows grasping and sliding a crisper drawer.

• The refrigerator has a clear crisper.
• Grasp the top and slide out; push back to replace.

Defrosting Your Refrigerator

• For energy efficiency, defrost the freezer when frost reaches 1/4" thickness. Frost accumulates more in summer.
• DANGER: Risk of Fire or Explosion. Do not use metal instruments or puncture refrigerant tubing.
• To defrost: Remove food and ice tray, set temperature dial to "0". Defrosting may take hours. Speed up by keeping the door open and placing a bowl of warm water inside.
• Wipe away excess water with a towel during defrosting. Do not leave unattended.
• After defrosting, wipe the interior dry. Reset temperature and return food.
• An ice scraper is provided for convenience.

Maintenance

WARNING: For repair, only trained service personnel should handle this product due to flammable refrigerant. Follow all safety precautions. Replace component parts with identical ones to prevent ignition risks.

Food Storage Information

Fresh Food

• Store unpackaged food in airtight, moisture-proof material to ensure shelf life and prevent odor transfer.
• Wipe containers before storing to prevent spills.
• Store eggs upright in their original carton.
• Wash and dry fruit, then store in sealed plastic bags.
• Store vegetables with skins in plastic bags or containers.
• Wash and drain leafy vegetables, then store in plastic bags or containers.
• Allow hot food to cool before refrigeration to save energy.
• Use fresh seafood the same day as purchase.
• Store meats in original packaging or rewrap as needed.

Safe Storage Times for Meats:

For detailed storage charts, visit the FDA website: www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/fttstore.html

Frozen Food

• Wipe containers before storing.
• Allow hot food to cool before freezing.
• Store meats in original packaging or rewrap as needed.
• Use proper packaging that prevents air/moisture flow for correct freezer storage.
• Follow package instructions.
• Packaging Recommendations: Plastic containers with airtight lids, heavy-duty aluminum foil, plastic wrap (saran film), self-sealing plastic bags.
• Do not refreeze defrosted/thawed foods.
• Mark freezing date on packaging.

Safe Storage Times for Frozen Foods:

For detailed storage charts, visit the FDA website: www.fda.gov

Normal Operating Sounds

• Boiling, gurgling, or vibrations are normal results of refrigerant circulation.
• The thermostat clicks when cycling on/off.

Proper Refrigerator Care and Cleaning

Cleaning and Maintenance

WARNING: Always unplug the refrigerator before cleaning to avoid electric shock.

CAUTION: Read and follow manufacturer's instructions for cleaning products to avoid injury or damage.

General Cleaning:

• Prepare a solution of 3-4 tablespoons baking soda in warm water.
• Use a sponge or soft cloth dampened with the solution to wipe down the refrigerator.
• Rinse with clean warm water and dry with a soft cloth.
• Do not use harsh chemicals, abrasives, ammonia, chlorine bleach, concentrated detergents, solvents, or metal scouring pads, as they can damage the finish.

Door Gaskets:

• Clean door gaskets every three months to ensure a proper seal.
• Apply a small amount of petroleum jelly to the hinge side of the gaskets to keep them pliable and ensure a good seal.

Light Bulb Replacement

1. Switch off power to the refrigerator.
2. Gently pull out the clear cover.
3. Replace with a 10-watt light bulb of the same type.
4. Push the clear cover back into place.

Power Interruptions

• During power outages (e.g., thunderstorms), unplug the power cord.
• After power is restored, plug the cord back in.
• If an outage is prolonged, inspect and discard spoiled or thawed food. Clean the refrigerator before reusing.

WARNING: If an outage is prolonged, inspect and discard spoiled or thawed food. Clean the refrigerator before reusing.

Vacation and Moving Care

• For long vacations, empty the refrigerator and freezer. Set the temperature dial to OFF. Clean the unit and door gaskets. Prop doors open for air circulation.
• When moving, always transport the refrigerator vertically. Do not move it lying down, as this can damage the sealed system.

Troubleshooting

Refrigerator does not operate:

• Check if the thermostat control is not in the "0" position.
• Check if the refrigerator is plugged in.
• Check if the AC outlet has power (check circuit breaker).

Food temperature appears too warm:

• Frequent door openings.
• Allow time for recently added warm food to reach fresh food temperature.
• Check door gaskets for a proper seal.
• Adjust temperature control to a colder setting.

Food temperature is too cold:

• If the temperature control is too cold, adjust to a warmer setting and allow several hours for adjustment.

Refrigerator runs too frequently:

• May be normal during high temperature and humid days.
• Doors may have been opened frequently or for an extended period.
• Check door gaskets for a proper seal.
• Ensure doors are completely closed.

Moisture build-up on interior or exterior:

• Normal during high humidity periods.
• Prolonged or frequent door openings.
• Check door gaskets for proper seal.

Refrigerator has an odor:

• Interior needs cleaning.
• Foods improperly wrapped or sealed are giving off odors.

Refrigerator door does not shut properly:

• Level the refrigerator.
• Re-align the refrigerator door.
• Check for blockages (food containers, crisper cover, shelves, bins).

Popping or cracking sound when the compressor comes on:

• Ensure the refrigerator is level.
• Check if the floor is uneven or weak, causing rocking. Level the refrigerator with shims if necessary.
• Ensure the refrigerator is not touching the wall. Re-level and move it away from the wall.

Refrigerator light does not work:

• Check power supply.
• Tighten the bulb in its socket.
• Replace a burned-out bulb.

Customer Feedback and Website Information

Costway values customer suggestions and comments. Please visit the website to leave a rating.

Example Feedback: "Great products so far. Fast delivery, easy setup, and working without any issues." - February 24, 2019

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