Your refrigerator runs all the time, keeping food fresh, drinks cold, and ice ready to use whenever you need it. But did you know that you can make it last longer and work better for years beyond the average by following a few basic maintenance tips?
We at Advance Appliance LTD know from experience that little things may save on repair costs. Here are five important recommendations to make your fridge survive longer and prevent problems that happen a lot.
1. Clean Your Refrigerator Condenser Coils Every 6 Months
Why it matters:
The condenser coils allow heat to escape from the fridge. When these coils have dust, hair, or other things on them, your fridge has to work harder to stay cold, which might cause it to overheat or break down early.
How to Clean a Condenser Coil?
Use a vacuum with a soft brush or a coil-cleaning brush to carefully get rid of the accumulation. You may need to lift the fridge away from the wall or remove the kick plate to access the coils, which are typically located at the back or underneath.
2. Keep the Door Seals Clean and Tight
Why it matters:
If your door gaskets are dirty or damaged, cold air may go out, which makes your compressor work harder and longer, which costs you more money and shortens the life of your fridge.
What you should do:
Use a wet towel to wipe the seals often. Use a mild disinfectant to clear up mold, but be sure you read the instructions first to find out which solutions are safe to use. Make sure the seals are dry when you clean them, since moisture that is trapped might cause mold to develop.
Look at the seal: Close the door by placing a note between. If it comes out easily, you may need to replace your gasket.
3. Replace the Water Filter (If Equipped)
Why it matters:
When filters are clogged or old, they may slow down the flow of water and affect how well your water and ice dispensers work. Worse, they could let harmful things get through.
What to do:
Every six months, or as the manufacturer says, change the water filter in your fridge. Use authentic or authorized filters since many generic products may not get rid of dangerous pollutants correctly. Don’t use a filter? Some refrigerators require a bypass plug to keep the water flowing. Look at your instruction manual.
4. Keep the Top of Your Fridge Clear
Why it matters:
Putting things on top of your fridge blocks heat from getting out. This limits the passage of air, which makes the appliance overheat and work less well.
What you should do:
Don’t put boxes, appliances, or decorations on top. If your fridge is beneath a cabinet, there should be at least an inch of space between the fridge and the cabinets above it so that air can flow freely.
5. Clean the Ice and Water Dispenser Tray
Over time, dirt and minerals may collect on the surface of the dispenser. It may not immediately shorten the life of your fridge, but it does make it seem and feel cleaner.
What to do:
Use a mix of equal parts white vinegar and water to clean the tray and dispenser. If the accumulation won’t come off, take the tray off and soak it in the same solution before cleaning.
Simple Habits Can Help You Avoid Repairs
How to fix common fridge problems so that it is carefully taken care of, lasts longer, works better, saves energy, and doesn’t break down when you need it most. These little things can make a huge impact.
Need assistance with your refrigerator?
Most common signs that tell your fridge needs repair, don’t wait if you hear strange sounds, the cooling isn’t working well, or there are water leaks. At Advance Appliance LTD in Calgary, our skilled experts can fix your refrigerator quickly and on the same day for all major brands. Contact us immediately for a professional refrigerator diagnostic and repair.
