5 Keys To Refrigerator Maintenance

Refrigerators are hardworking appliances that run 24/7 and deserve some TLC. But other than clearing out smelly food, how much time did you devote to refrigerator maintenance last year?

If you want your fridge to live its full life — typically 13 years — show it some love and perform these simple maintenance tasks.

Check The Door Seals

A loose seal allows cool air to seep out, wasting energy and causing your fridge to work harder than it needs to. First make sure the seals are free of food residue. (Clean them about twice a year, using a toothbrush and a solution of baking soda and water.) Then try the dollar-bill test: Close the bill in the door so that half is in and half is out. If it slips out easily, you may need to have the door seals checked by a pro.

Keep The Coils Clean

When the condenser coils are covered with dust, the refrigerator can’t run efficiently. Twice a year, pull the machine from the wall to reveal the coils in back (or snap off the grille, if the coils are on the bottom front), unplug the refrigerator, and vacuum with the brush attachment.

Set The Right Temperature

Keep the fridge between 37 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit and the freezer at 0 degrees.

Fill It Up

Refrigerators need “thermal mass” (a.k.a. lots of stuff) to maintain low temperatures. Cool foods and drinks help absorb warm air that streams in when you open the door. If you’re the eat-out type or your fridge is too big for your needs, store a few jugs of water in there.

Be Prepared

If the power goes out, keep the doors closed and use foods from the pantry. An unopened refrigerator will keep food safe for four hours; a freezer will maintain its temperature for 48 hours if full and 24 hours if half-full.

With our team at A Better Home Inspection, we’ve been your neighborhood home inspection company since 1988. Our staff have helped many California homeowners maintain their houses – Please call us at 619-514-4699 and schedule today!