The fridge is probably easiest of your large appliances to overlook. All it seems you need to do to make a modern fridge run is plug it in, maybe set the temperature, put things in, and take things out. But your refrigerator, like your range, dishwasher, and garbage disposal, needs some basic, regular maintenance. Here are some do’s and don’ts of refrigerator maintenance.
Don’t Leave the Door Open
This is a simple but important part of refrigerator maintenance. When you take something out of the fridge, get it and shut the door right away. This is even more important if you’re getting something out of the freezer. Keeping the door open means that warmer air rushes into the fridge, which raises its internal temperature. This makes it work harder to keep your food cool, and that raises your energy bills. One tip is to know what you want to get out of the fridge beforehand instead of hanging on the open door and wondering what would be good for dinner this evening.
Do Store Food the Right Way
Food needs to be stored the right way in the refrigerator, not just for the sake of the food but also for the sake of the appliance. When you store food properly you won’t have to search for it, which means that you won’t need to keep the door open. It also means that the food won’t block the refrigerator’s internal vents. These vents make sure that cooled air can easily circulate, and blocking them makes the appliance work harder than it should. This raises your energy bills and shortens the appliance’s life span.
Do Clean the Condenser Coil and Everything Else
The fridge’s condenser coil helps make its air cold, and if it’s covered with dirt and dust, it can’t work efficiently. Again, it makes the appliance work harder and may shorten its life. Most refrigerators have their condenser coil at the back, though some may have them at the bottom. Regular cleaning of the condenser coil keeps the job from being overly messy.
It’s also good practice to clean the fridge at least once a month. This may include taking out and cleaning racks, bins, and trays, even if you’ll need to put the food into ice chests for a while. Pay attention to the door gaskets, which keep the chilled air inside the fridge, and use only mild cleansers that won’t damage the interior.
Get in Touch With Us To Learn More About Refrigerator Maintenance
Your refrigerator is such an integral part of your home that it can be a real emergency when it breaks down. Because of this, regular maintenance is important. To learn more about how to take care of your fridge or to request refrigerator repair, call our professionals at Rochester Appliance Service of Rochester, Minnesota.
