kenmore 596.75232400 bottom freezer is not cold enough

[chefj]

The freezer setting is all the way to 7 (coldest), and is in the teens to low 20s F. Fridge is set to 4 (middle), and is fine.
Opened the panel at the back of the freezer compartment, and no frost build-up.
Opened the back panel, vacuumed, cleaned, etc.
The compressor is running.
The fan in the freezer is running.
The air blowing out the back of the fridge isn't all that warm--that plus all the above lead me to believe that perhaps this is a low refrigerant issue?

Thanks!

[jeff1]

Hi,

and no frost build-up

What did the entire evaporator/cooling coils look like?
All evenly frosted, 1/2 frosted and 1/2 bare, splotch of frost?



jeff.

[chefj]

Sorry, I lost track of this thread. No frost whatsoever.

Think it needs a charge of refrigerant?

[jeff1]

No frost whatsoever.

Think it needs a charge of refrigerant?

It is against the law to add refrigerant gas to a system if it has a leak....finding and repairing the leak is done first....but that is just one possible trouble maker....leaker, restriction, inefficient compressor or any combination of these can do that.

jeff.

[chefj]

i wouldn't be adding it myself anyway, just trying to figure out whether it's worth it to hire a repairman, or to budget for a new fridge altogether... but i have a feeling that it's not a simple part i could order online--that there's something that will require a repairman at the least. that's basically where i was trying to get to--exhaust all possible avenues for ME to explore before hiring.
thanks for the help.

[jeff1]

It is likely worth having someone come in and check it out for you.....get a price on the repair and then you can make an educated decision on putting the money into repairing or buying a new one.

jeff.