Maintaining a refrigerator is important to keep it running smoothly and efficiently, and quality refrigerator parts and components are necessary for refrigerator repairs.
Here are a few tips for tuning up the fridge to avoid repairs. By following them, customers can help keep their fridges running smoothly and efficiently and save money on their energy bills.
Table of Contents
1. Clean the coils
The condenser coils on the back of the fridge and the evaporator coils inside the fridge can become dirty over time, which can reduce the fridge’s efficiency. Customers can use a coil brush or vacuum to clean the coils at least once a year.
2. Check and replace the door gasket
The door gasket is the rubber seal that helps to keep the cold air inside the fridge. If the gasket is damaged or worn, it can allow cold air to escape, which can increase energy consumption. It is advisable to check the gasket for damage and replace it if necessary. The gasket can become brittle and crack over time. If the gasket is damaged, it can allow warm air to enter the fridge and reduce its efficiency.
3. Adjust the temperature
The ideal temperature for a fridge is between 37 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit, and the ideal temperature for a freezer is between 0 and 5 degrees Fahrenheit. It is recommended to use a thermometer to check the temperature and adjust the thermostat as needed.
4. Organize the fridge
Keeping similar items together and storing them at the appropriate temperature can help the fridge run more efficiently. For example, customers can store dairy products and raw meat in the back of the fridge, where it’s colder, and store fruits and vegetables in the crisper drawers.
5. Defrost the freezer
If the refrigerator has a manual defrost freezer, remove the ice buildup regularly to keep the freezer running efficiently. If a customer has a self-defrosting freezer, it will defrost itself automatically, but they should still check for and remove any excess ice. This will help the fridge run more efficiently and preserve the food better.
6. Check the door seal
Customers need to make sure the door seal is in good condition and seals properly. A damaged or loose seal can allow warm air to enter the fridge and reduce its efficiency. To test the seal, a customer can place a piece of paper on the door and try to pull it out. If it comes out easily, the seal may be loose and need to be replaced.
7. Organize the shelves
It is recommended to be sure the shelves in the fridge are organized and easy to access. This way it will be much easier to quickly find items and reduce the amount of time the door is open, which can cause the fridge to work harder to maintain the temperature.
8. Replace the water filter
If the fridge has a water dispenser or ice maker, the water filter should be replaced according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. A dirty water filter can reduce the efficiency of the fridge and cause problems with the water and ice dispensers.
9. Cleaning
The first step is to remove all the food, drinks, and other items from the refrigerator and pantry shelves. Next is washing the shelves, bins, and drawers with warm, soapy water. A mild cleaning solution or a mixture of equal parts vinegar and water can also be used. Shelves and bins need to be rinsed and dried thoroughly. The customer then needs to wipe down the inside of the refrigerator with a mixture of equal parts water and vinegar or a mild cleaning solution.
