Your refrigerator is perhaps the most important appliance in your home, so it makes sense that you’ll want to keep it working properly. Fortunately, it’s not that difficult to perform regular maintenance on a refrigerator, especially if it’s relatively new and in good shape to begin with. Here are just a few simple things that you can do to keep your refrigerator from breaking down.
1. Clean the Coils and Condenser Fan
The coils on the back or bottom of your refrigerator release heat as refrigerant passes through them, which helps keep the refrigerator cold. They collect dust and debris over time, forcing your refrigerator to work harder to maintain a consistent temperature. Fortunately, this dust is fairly easy to remove. You can clean the coils off with a special coil-cleaning tool, but a stiff brush or a vacuum cleaner attachment will also do in a pinch. Simply run the tool, brush, or vacuum cleaner over the coils to remove excess dust. This should be done at least once a year and more often if you have pets that shed. While you’re at it, clean off the condenser fan. It can get dusty as well.
2. Check the Temperature Frequently
Your refrigerator’s temperature should be kept at 37 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit, while your freezer should be at zero degrees or lower. The temperature controls can get jostled easily if you have a full refrigerator, so check them periodically to make sure they’re on the correct setting.
If you suspect that your refrigerator isn’t as cool as it should be, even when you adjust the temperature, buy an inexpensive refrigerator thermometer and keep it in your fridge. That should tell you how cold your refrigerator really is.
3. Inspect the Gasket
The gasket is the rubber seal around your refrigerator door. It keeps your refrigerator airtight and prevents cold air from escaping. Inspect it for signs of wear and tear regularly, and wipe it down with warm, soapy water. If it’s cracked, torn, or has become brittle, get a replacement from your local hardware store.
4. Keep the Door Closed
Whenever you open the refrigerator door, you’re letting cold air out and forcing the refrigerator to work harder to maintain a proper temperature. While you obviously have to open the refrigerator to get anything out of it, you shouldn’t keep the door open any longer than necessary. Decide what you need from your refrigerator before you open it, grab it quickly, and make sure the door is closed and sealed properly when you’re done.
5. Keep Your Refrigerator Full
Keeping your refrigerator fully stocked will help it stay cold and operate more efficiently. Just don’t overcrowd it and block any vents or temperature controls.
5. Replace Water and Ice Filters Regularly
If your refrigerator dispenses water and ice, it has filters that need to be changed periodically. This should be done at least once every three months. If you’re not sure how to change the filters or how often they should actually be changed, check your refrigerator’s manual.
For more information about refrigerator maintenance or if you need repairs for your refrigerator or freezer, call Hotshot Appliance in Olathe, KS today.