Refrigerator Maintenance Tips You Should Put In Practice

The refrigerator is one of the most important appliances in the home. It keeps our food cold and fresh, and it keeps us from getting sick. But what happens when it stops working or begins to work improperly? The good news is that many common issues are easy repairs — items like a broken shelf, door gasket and even a water filter are inexpensive parts you can replace on your own. The bad news is that some repairs, such as replacing the compressor, can cost $800 or more. To avoid costly bills, it's best to do some preventative maintenance. This can help your refrigerator run more efficiently and keep food fresher for longer periods of time. Here are a few tips:

Clean the gasket

The gasket is the rubber seal that runs along the edge of your fridge door. It seals the cold air in and warm air out, so it's important to keep it in good condition. Check the gasket for any tears or missing pieces, and replace it if you find any damage.

Remove obstructions from vents

A refrigerator needs airflow to function. If the vents are blocked, your refrigerator will work harder to do its job, causing your energy bills to go upand wear out your appliance faster. Check that there is nothing blocking the vents on the sides of your fridge or freezer. Clean them if necessary.

Clean the condenser coils

Condenser coils play an important role in cooling your food. They're located on the back of your refrigerator and get rid of heat as refrigerant changes from a gas to a liquid, which helps keep everything inside cool. Since they're essential to proper functioning, you should clean condenser coils every three months or so.

Clean the condenser fan

The condenser fan is located behind the back wall of the fridge. It sucks in air, cools it, and then releases it into the fridge's body. If this fan gets blocked by dust or lint, the cooling process will be slowed down or even stopped completely.

Set the right temperature

The ideal temperature for a fridge is around 37 degrees Fahrenheit and no lower than 40 degrees Fahrenheit, while freezers should be set at 0 degrees Fahrenheit or below. These temperatures are enough to prevent bacteria from growing, yet low enough to keep your food fresh for longer periods of time. The temperature setting in your fridge can be adjusted using a dial knob or digital display panel depending on the model you own.

Keep an eye on refrigerator contents

You should check your fridge every few days and throw away any expired food items you find. Periodically wiping down shelves with a solution of vinegar and water will also help eliminate any lingering odors.

Eliminate frost buildup

Frost buildup can cause your fridge to work harder, which means it will use up more energy and won't keep things cold as well. The best thing to do is eliminate frost buildup before it becomes a problem. Do this by cleaning the condenser coils every three months or so with a brush or vacuum cleaner.

If you need help with your appliances, Volt Appliance Repair can assist you. You can trust to our experts for professional maintenance and repair services. To get started you can request a call, or give us a call at (407) 988-0318.