Whirlpool Refrigerator Repair (Model SIDE X SIDE ED5PHEXRQ00) – Minerva, OH

A customer in Minerva called about their Whirlpool side-by-side refrigerator (model ED5PHEXRQ00) that wasn’t cooling properly — the freezer worked fine, but the fresh food section was getting warm. We found the air intake completely iced over, blocking airflow between the compartments.

The Problem

The refrigerator compartment wasn’t maintaining temperature while the freezer section worked normally. This is a classic symptom of blocked airflow in side-by-side units. The customer noticed the issue developing over several days before the fresh food section became too warm to safely store perishables.

Diagnosis

The air intake between the freezer and refrigerator compartments was completely blocked with ice buildup. In side-by-side Whirlpool units like the ED5PHEXRQ00, cold air from the freezer flows through this intake to cool the fresh food section. When ice blocks this pathway, the refrigerator can’t receive cold air even though the freezer evaporator and fan are working properly. The ice buildup was caused by a clogged drain that prevented defrost water from flowing away properly.

The Repair

• Parts replaced: None required
• Work performed: Defrosted the iced-up air intake and cleared the blocked drain line
• Result: Refrigerator compartment returned to proper cooling temperature within 2 hours

Is It Worth Repairing?

This ED5PHEXRQ00 is from Whirlpool’s solid mid-2000s era and should provide many more years of service. Since no parts were needed and the issue was maintenance-related, this repair makes perfect sense. These side-by-side units are built to last when properly maintained.

Maintenance Tips for Whirlpool Side-by-Side Refrigerators

• Check the drain hole at the back of the freezer compartment monthly — pour warm water down it to keep it clear
• Keep the air vents between compartments free of frost buildup by not overloading the freezer
• Vacuum the condenser coils underneath every 6 months — ED5PHEXRQ00 units have bottom-mount coils that collect dust easily

Appliance Repair in Minerva, OH

Minerva is in Stark County — an area we cover regularly from our base in Louisville, OH. We also serve Carrollton, Malvern, and Waynesburg. Louisville Appliance Repair is owned and operated by Samuel Willhite, a master-certified technician with Bosch and Speed Queen factory authorizations. If your appliance needs service, schedule online or call (330) 693-9163. You can also find us on Google and read verified reviews from customers across Stark County and surrounding areas.