How to Use and Maintain Your Westinghouse Refrigerator

What Westinghouse refrigerators are and where they fit

Westinghouse is a brand name you might find on older refrigerators, particularly models from the mid-20th century through the 1980s. The company manufactured home appliances for decades, and many of those refrigerators are still in use today. If you own a Westinghouse model, you likely have a sturdy machine built during an era when appliances were designed to last—though the cooling system, seals, and electrical components will need regular attention to keep working properly.

Westinghouse refrigerators vary widely depending on the decade they were made. Some are frost-free models with separate freezer compartments; others are older manual-defrost units. The size, layout, and features differ significantly between models, which is why understanding your specific machine matters more than following generic refrigerator advice.

Key Takeaways

• Westinghouse refrigerators built before the 1990s often require manual defrosting, which means ice buildup in the freezer compartment must be removed by hand every few months.
• The rubber door seals on older Westinghouse models can crack or shrink over time, causing cold air to escape and forcing the compressor to work harder than necessary.
• Finding replacement parts for vintage Westinghouse refrigerators is possible through specialty appliance retailers and online marketplaces, though some components may no longer be manufactured.
• Cleaning the condenser coils at least twice a year prevents dust buildup that reduces cooling efficiency and shortens the lifespan of the compressor.

Locating and reading your model number

Your Westinghouse model number is usually printed on a sticker inside the refrigerator, typically on the wall behind the crisper drawers or on the back wall near the top. Write this number down—you will need it if you ever need to order parts or find the original manual. The model number tells you the year of manufacture, the size category, and which features your specific unit has.

If the sticker has faded or disappeared, check the back of the refrigerator for a metal plate. Some older Westinghouse models also have the model number stamped into the metal frame itself. Once you have the number, you can search online for the original manual, which will show you the exact layout of your model and explain any features unique to your machine.

Defrosting a manual-defrost Westinghouse freezer

Manual defrosting means you are responsible for removing ice buildup yourself—the refrigerator does not do it automatically. Most Westinghouse models made before 1970, and many made through the 1980s, require this. Ice accumulates because moisture in the air freezes on the evaporator coils, and without a heating cycle to melt it away, the ice gets thicker over time.

To defrost, unplug the refrigerator and remove all food from the freezer compartment. Place towels on the floor and inside the fridge to catch meltwater. Leave the freezer door open and let the ice melt naturally—this takes 4 to 8 hours depending on how much ice has built up. Never use a knife or sharp tool to chip away ice, because you can puncture the cooling lines inside the walls and destroy the refrigerator. Once the ice has melted, wipe down the interior, plug the unit back in, and return your food. Most households need to defrost every 3 to 6 months, depending on humidity and how often the door is opened.

Checking and replacing door seals

The rubber gasket around the door edge is what keeps cold air inside. On a Westinghouse refrigerator that is 20 or 30 years old, this seal often becomes brittle, cracks, or no longer makes full contact with the frame. A failing seal means the compressor runs constantly trying to maintain temperature, which wastes energy and wears out the motor faster.

Test your seal by closing the door on a dollar bill—if you can pull the bill out easily, the seal is not tight enough. Another test is to feel around the door frame with your hand while the refrigerator is running; you should not feel cold air leaking out. If the seal is failing, you can order a replacement gasket using your model number. Installation usually involves removing a few screws that hold the old gasket in place and sliding the new one into the channel. Some Westinghouse models have gaskets that are glued in; those require more care during removal but follow the same basic principle.

Cleaning condenser coils and the compressor area

The condenser coils sit either on the back of the refrigerator or underneath it, depending on your model. These coils release heat and allow the refrigerant to cool down so it can circulate back through the fridge. When dust and pet hair clog these coils, the compressor has to work much harder to push refrigerant through, which shortens its life and increases electricity use.

Unplug the refrigerator and locate the coils. If they are on the back, use a soft brush or a vacuum with a brush attachment to gently remove dust. If they are underneath, you may need to remove a front panel or kick plate to reach them. Clean the coils at least twice a year, more often if you have pets or live in a dusty environment. While you are back there, also check that the compressor—a cylindrical or box-shaped component—is not surrounded by debris. Clear any dust or lint away from the compressor itself, as it generates heat and needs air circulation around it.

Managing odors in an older Westinghouse refrigerator

Older refrigerators can develop stubborn smells because the insulation and interior surfaces absorb odors over decades. A Westinghouse model from the 1960s or 1970s may have absorbed food smells, mold spores, or stale air that a simple wipe-down will not remove. The most effective approach is to clean the interior thoroughly, then use an odor absorber.

Start by removing all food and shelves. Wash the interior with a solution of one tablespoon of baking soda per quart of warm water, paying special attention to corners and crevices where mold can hide. Dry everything completely. Then place an open box of baking soda on a shelf, or use activated charcoal or crumpled newspaper—all three absorb odors over time. Replace the baking soda every month or two. If the smell persists after a week, the odor may be coming from the insulation itself, which means the refrigerator has reached the end of its useful life.

Finding parts and repair information for Westinghouse models

Westinghouse stopped manufacturing home appliances in the 1980s, so replacement parts are not available from the original company. However, many components are generic and can be sourced from appliance parts suppliers. A new compressor, thermostat, or door gasket for a Westinghouse model can often be found through online retailers that specialize in vintage appliances, or through general appliance parts websites if you have the exact model number.

Before ordering a part, search for your model number plus the component name—for example, "Westinghouse model XYZ compressor." You may find that the part is still manufactured under a different brand name, or that a similar part from another manufacturer will work. Repair forums and vintage appliance communities online can also point you toward compatible parts. If you cannot find what you need, a local appliance repair shop may be able to order it or suggest a workaround.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my Westinghouse refrigerator is frost-free or manual defrost?

Check inside the freezer compartment. If you see a heating element or a drain hole with a small heater near it, the unit is frost-free. If the freezer is just a bare metal box that collects ice, it is manual defrost. You can also look at your model number—Westinghouse manuals online will tell you which type your specific model is.

What temperature should I set my Westinghouse refrigerator to?

The refrigerator section should be between 35 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit, and the freezer should be at 0 degrees or below. Most Westinghouse models have a dial or lever marked with numbers or settings like "cold" and "very cold." Start in the middle and adjust after a few hours, checking the temperature with a thermometer if possible.

Can I replace the compressor myself?

Replacing a compressor requires disconnecting refrigerant lines, which is a specialized task. If your compressor has failed, you should contact a licensed appliance repair technician. Attempting this yourself can damage the cooling system permanently and may expose you to refrigerant, which is hazardous.

Is it worth repairing an old Westinghouse refrigerator, or should I replace it?

If the refrigerator is cooling properly and only needs a new gasket or coil cleaning, repair makes sense. If the compressor has failed, the cost of replacement often exceeds the value of the machine. Consider how much you use it and whether you have space for a new one before investing in major repairs.

Why is my Westinghouse refrigerator running constantly?

Constant running usually means the door seal is failing, the condenser coils are clogged with dust, or the thermostat is stuck. Start by testing the door seal and cleaning the coils. If the problem continues, the thermostat or compressor may need service from a repair technician.