Did you know that the average American family owns three or four kitchen appliances? One of these is a refrigerator and a necessary food storage and preparation element.
Refrigerators represent a big investment for most families. As such, most must recognize whether the appliance works at optimum levels.
Refrigerators constantly run and work hard to maintain optimal temperatures and preserve food. However, just like every other mechanical machine, you need to call Refrigerator Repair services once in a while.
If you’re wondering about refrigerator maintenance, check out the quick guide below to learn what to do.
Refrigerator Maintenance Tips
To keep your refrigerator running at its best, there are several simple steps you can take to ensure its performance. Here’s what you should do to keep your refrigerator running smoothly for years.
Check Your Refrigerator Regularly
It is essential to check your refrigerator regularly. This is to ensure its optimal performance and extend the appliance’s life.
Check the Coils
When coils are well taken care of, they use less energy and wear out the compressor less. This is important for efficient cooling.
If the evaporator and condenser coils are dirty, there may be a clog or buildup of dirt, which will put extra stress on the fridge. This will cause it to run longer and use more electricity. Every so often, it would help if you cleaned the coils.
It would also help if you cleaned the fan and evaporator coils with a vacuum cleaner, soft brush, and coil cleaner solution. Then, you can wipe the dust off the condenser coils with a damp cloth.
Check and Replace Door Seals
The door seal is the gasket that runs along the perimeter of your refrigerator door. This seal aims to keep the refrigerator airtight and free of cold air escape.
If the seal is worn or torn, it must be replaced at least once a year. Inspecting the seals for any signs of wear or tear, such as discoloration or cracking, is essential.
To replace a door seal, remove the old seal and clean the surfaces of the door and seal before applying a thin layer of adhesive around the flap. Make sure the seal is flush and straight before using the adhesive. Once the seal is in place, allow for a few hours for the adhesive to harden and set properly.
If a door seal is not replaced or repaired on-time with availing, it can lead to energy loss, raise energy bills, and other refrigerator issues. Find a Ridge Appliance Repair service if you’re looking for a quick fix.
Check for Temperature Issues
Food spoilage is possible if the refrigerant is not cooled below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Therefore, regularly check the temperature setting of your refrigerator and the back of the appliance.
To check the fridge’s internal temperature, place a thermometer in a glass of water in the center of the appliance and close the door for about 15 minutes. If the temperature rises above 40 degrees Fahrenheit, adjust the thermostat to a lower setting.
Check the Filter
The filter helps keep the water and ice clean, odorless, and without bad tastes or smells. To check the filter, take off the housing and look for clogs or damage on the filter.
You should get a new one if the filter is clogged or broken. You should change the filter every six months or as instructed by the manufacturer.
In addition to checking the filter, other maintenance steps include checking the water supply lines for leaks and checking the ice maker parts for fridge problems or debris.
Check the Gasket
To effectively assess the gasket’s condition, a visual inspection is recommended. Begin by wiping down the exterior of the refrigerator and then checking the gasket for any visible cracks or tears. If any are present, you should replace the gasket.
Empty the Ice
Emptying the ice requires that all the ice be emptied of the ice bin and put into a container, such as a bowl or a bucket. It would help if you did this at least once each year. During this process, it’s essential to wipe down and sanitize the inside of the refrigerator and its components.
Store Your Food Properly
It’s essential to store food correctly in the fridge if you want it to work well and last as long as possible. This includes ensuring that food is well wrapped or sealed so that moisture doesn’t leak out and food doesn’t get dirty from other food.
Also, you should put some foods in containers that don’t let air in, and fruits and vegetables should be kept in separate drawers. Cooked leftovers should be eaten within 34 days.
Cleaning and Sanitize Your Refrigerator
Start by throwing away any food in the refrigerator for too long. Next, turn off and unplug the refrigerator before cleaning. Use warm water and mild detergent to wipe the outside and inside of the fridge.
For more stubborn food spills and crumbs, use a wet cloth. Make sure to clean all the shelves, drawers, and bins inside the refrigerator, and then rinse them off with clean water.
Once the refrigerator is dry, sanitize it with one tablespoon of liquid bleach per gallon of water. Then, thoroughly rinse and dry the refrigerator’s interior with a clean cloth and restore power.
Make sure to clean and sanitize your refrigerator at least once a month. This will help keep it in good condition and avoid refrigerator problems.
Ensure Door Is Always Close
A constantly closed door helps protect the refrigerator’s contents from spoiling, as well as helps keep the refrigerator’s temperature consistently cool. Additionally, if the door is not closed, the refrigerator’s energy efficiency will decrease, which can lead to an unnecessary increase in electricity bills.
Extend the Life of Your Appliances
Refrigerator maintenance is an important task for any home. It is essential to keep your food fresh and your appliance running smoothly. To help keep your fridge in tip-top shape, you must take the time to clean and inspect it regularly.
Following the steps in this quick guide will help your fridge run more efficiently. It’ll be able to last longer, and it can keep your food at the right temperature! Maintain your refrigerator today and save yourself from potential problems tomorrow.
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