Your refrigerator is one of the hardest-working appliances in your home. Think about it: It runs 24/7 to keep your foods at a safe temperature, even on extremely hot days. If you give your fridge the attention it needs, it will run smoothly throughout its entire life, and you can avoid the need for unnecessary refrigerator repair. The appliance repair experts at Appliance Service Co. in Fairbanks, AK, have shared their three favorite tips that any homeowner can follow to keep their fridge running smoothly every day.

3 Simple Tips to Avoid Unnecessary Refrigerator Repair

1. Keep the Door Closed

Of course you’ll need to open your fridge door to get things out and put things in, but avoid opening the door for longer than necessary. Keep the interior organized so you know where things are, and when you open the door you won’t need to spend time looking all over for one item. The fridge is set to stay at a certain temperature, and when you open the door for longer than necessary you let out cool air and cause the system to work harder than it needs to.

2. De-Ice Your Freezer

When moisture gets trapped in the freezer, the low temperatures turn it into ice, which eventually covers the interior of the freezer in a layer. This ice can clog the vents, which reduces airflow, in turn reducing the efficiency of the system and requiring it to overwork. When you notice ice buildup, use something to chip it off and clear the vents. If it’s particularly bad, you may want to turn off the unit and let it thaw completely, occasionally using a rag to soak up the melting ice. A hair dryer on the warm air setting can also speed up the thawing process.

3. Check for Leaks

It’s a good idea on occasion—perhaps every few months or so—to look at your fridge inside and out for leaks. Pools of liquid anywhere in or around the unit are an indication of a leak, and if you notice any you’ll want to call your repairman to find the source of the leak and repair it. The fluid in your cooling system serve an important purpose, and when that fluid is too low it can result in the premature wear of your appliance parts.

These three simple care tips will help ensure that your fridge runs smoothly, avoiding unnecessary, expensive refrigerator repair and high energy bills. If you worry that your fridge does need repair, be sure to hire a licensed and experienced contractor to work on it. Call the Appliance Service Co. specialists at (907) 452-1000 to schedule your service appointment today! They offer repair services for all of your needs, including microwave, stove, and dryer repair.