Refrigerator Maintenance Tips

Having a refrigerator in your kitchen in a modern luxury that most cannot imagine living without. Every day we expect our refrigerator to keep our food cold and protect it from spoiling. We expect our refrigerator to be there, working, every day.

Having a refrigerator in your kitchen in a modern luxury that most cannot imagine living without.  Every day we expect our refrigerator to keep our food cold and protect it from spoiling.  We expect our refrigerator to be there, working, every day.  But, without proper maintenance, a refrigerator will wear down over time and eventually, stop working.  Refrigerators are a big investment and, while the average lifespan is 14-17 years, when not properly maintained a refrigerator’s lifespan could be greatly diminished.  Follow the tips below to maintain your refrigerator and keep it running for years to come.

• Clean the Interior

Over time, food has a tendency to spill, dust to gather and little bits and pieces to accumulate on the shelves of your refrigerator.  Regularly clean the interior of your refrigerator with soap and water, there is no need for chemical cleaners.  If a shelf or bin is particular dirty, pull it out and soak it in warm soapy water for awhile to loosen things up.

• Clean the Condenser Coils

The condenser coils are located on the back of your refrigerator, typically at the bottom of the refrigerator.  They are like a magnet for dust bunnies and things like pet hair.  2-4 times per year, use a brush and a vacuum to clean the condenser coils and ensure that large buildup does not happen.  This is a very important step because when the condenser coils are dirty, they make the refrigerator work less efficiently which not only shorten the lifespan of the refrigerator but it also will cost more on your energy bills.

• Clean the Seals

The door seals, or gaskets, should be checked regularly to ensure that there are no cracks or tears in the seals.  Next, a few times per year, wipe them down with warm, soapy water and then dry them.  If the door seals do not seem to be tight enough or there appears to be air passing through, you will need to have a professional inspect the refrigerator.  If the door seals are not working properly, your refrigerator will not be able to maintain the desired temperature and will waste a significant amount of energy trying to do so.

• Empty the Ice Bin

If your refrigerator has an ice making feature, the bin should be emptied out every few months.  This will ensure that ice does not get stuck in the bin and absorb odors from the refrigerator, which will make your ice taste bad.

• Replace the Water Filter

The water filter in your refrigerator should be replaced every four to six months.  Water filters are designed to filter only a specific number of gallons and once you pass that point, the filter will no longer work properly and can actually make your water worse for you.  Follow the instructions on your water filter to ensure you are drinking good water.