Your refrigerator works tirelessly day and night to keep your food fresh. Giving it a little regular attention can significantly extend its lifespan, improve its efficiency (saving you money on electricity!), and help prevent unexpected breakdowns and costly repairs. Here are five simple maintenance tasks most homeowners can perform:
1. Clean the Condenser Coils
Why: Condenser coils, usually located on the back or underneath the fridge, release heat from the refrigerant. When they get covered in dust, pet hair, and dirt, the fridge can't dissipate heat efficiently, forcing the compressor to work harder and longer, wasting energy and potentially leading to premature failure.
- Always unplug the refrigerator before cleaning coils.
- Locate the coils (check your owner's manual). If they're on the back, carefully pull the fridge away from the wall. If underneath, you may need to remove the front bottom grille (kick plate).
- Use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment or a specialized long-handled condenser coil brush to gently remove all dust and debris from the coils.
- Aim to do this at least twice a year, more often if you have pets that shed heavily.
2. Check and Clean Door Seals (Gaskets)
Why: The rubber seals around the doors keep cold air in and warm air out. If they are dirty, cracked, torn, or warped, warm, moist air can seep in, causing the fridge to run more often, leading to condensation or frost buildup, and reducing efficiency.
- Regularly wipe down the gaskets with warm, soapy water and dry them thoroughly. Check for any food residue or stickiness.
- Inspect the seals for any visible damage like tears or cracks.
- Perform the "dollar bill test": Close the door on a dollar bill. If you can easily pull it out without resistance, the seal might be weak in that spot.
- Damaged gaskets usually need to be replaced – this is often a job you can DIY or call a pro for.
3. Set the Right Temperature
Why: Setting your refrigerator or freezer too cold wastes energy and can even freeze items in the fridge compartment. Setting it too warm risks food spoilage.
- The ideal refrigerator temperature is typically between 35°F and 38°F (1.7°C to 3.3°C).
- The ideal freezer temperature is 0°F (-18°C).
- Use a refrigerator thermometer to check the actual temperature, as built-in controls aren't always perfectly accurate. Adjust settings as needed.
4. Keep It Full (But Not Overstuffed)
Why: A moderately full refrigerator operates more efficiently than an empty one. The cold items inside help maintain the temperature when the door is opened. However, overstuffing prevents proper cold air circulation.
- Aim for a reasonably full fridge, but don't pack items so tightly that air can't circulate around them.
- Ensure items aren't blocking the air vents inside the refrigerator and freezer compartments.
- If your fridge is often empty, keeping a few jugs of water inside can help stabilize the temperature.
5. Change the Water Filter Regularly
Why: If your refrigerator has an ice maker or water dispenser, the water filter removes impurities. Over time, it gets clogged, reducing water flow and potentially affecting the taste and quality of your water and ice. A severely clogged filter can sometimes even cause leaks or strain the water valve.
- Check your owner's manual for the filter location and type.
- Follow the manufacturer's recommendation for replacement frequency (usually every 6 months).
- Purchase the correct replacement filter model for your refrigerator.
- Follow the instructions (usually simple twist-and-lock) to replace the old filter with the new one. Run several cups of water through the dispenser afterwards to flush the new filter.
By incorporating these simple maintenance steps into your routine, you can help ensure your refrigerator runs smoothly and efficiently for years to come, saving you hassle and money in the long run.
Experiencing Refrigerator Problems?
If basic maintenance doesn't solve your issue, connect with a local expert for fast, reliable repair.
