The refrigerator is one of the most used appliances in the home. It works so well to keep food cool, it can be easy to take it for granted. That is, until we end up with a refrigerator full of spoiled food and an expensive refrigerator repair bill. Here are some tips to keep your fridge in tiptop shape.

Do:

Give it some space.

Refrigerators work by removing warm air from inside the unit and releasing it to the outside. Give your fridge space to allow the warm air to escape. To prevent overheating, leave at least 6 inches of space on each side of your refrigerator.

Inspect and clean the door seal.

The door seal is one of the most important components of your refrigerator. It keeps the cold air in and the warm air out. A broken seal will waste energy, increase your electricity bills, and may require a refrigerator repair. Every month, make sure to inspect the seal for cracks or tears. You can strengthen the seal and decrease the risk of cracking by placing a thin layer of Vaseline on it every month.

Monitor the temperature.

Bacteria can grow in a refrigerator that is too cold or hot. Keep a close eye on the temperature of your refrigerator and freezer to keep your food safe and prevent illnesses. Set your refrigerator temperature between 32-40 degrees F and your freezer to 0 degrees F or below.

Don't:

Leave the door open too long.

Each time you open the door, you are letting cold air escape the unit. This will cause your refrigerator to work overtime and consuming unnecessary energy. Always keep the door closed to save energy and lower costs. 

Store highly perishable items in the door.

Foods kept on your refrigerator door are the first exposed to warm air each time you open the door. Avoid storing items such as milk, eggs or butter there to prevent them from going bad. Instead, use the door to store less sensitive items like sodas and condiments.

Overpack the fridge.

An overloaded refrigerator has to work harder to cool your items and will raise your energy bills. Additionally, an overpacked fridge puts extra weight on the shelves, which could damage your shelves. To save energy and avoid costly refrigerator repairs, don’t overstuff your fridge and keep it as organized as possible.

Following these guidelines for your refrigerator is a great way to keep your food safe and your unit operating at its best. But, even well-maintained refrigerators require repairs sometimes.  when you need the best refrigerator repair service, turn to Appliance Service Co in Fairbanks North Star Borough, AK. Their team has over 55 years of combined experience in appliance repair. Whether it’s your refrigerator, washer, dryer, or oven, their team has the expertise to tackle any problem. Call them today at (907) 452-1000 to speak to one of their technicians. Be sure to check out their website for more information about their services.