Even the sturdiest refrigerators require some maintenance over the years to keep them running efficiently. Rather than spending money on refrigerator repairs or replacements, there are a handful of simple ways to decrease the likelihood of breakdowns. Here are a few do’s and don’ts to follow to keep your refrigerator running well.

Do:

Leave space.

When you place the refrigerator in the kitchen, leave a few inches of space on the top, sides, and back of it. Doing so will assist with the transfer of warm air out of the unit to keep it from overheating.

Clean the coils.

Dirty condenser coils put stress on your refrigerator and cause it to run inefficiently. Clean the coils with a brush or vacuum attachment a couple of times per year. However, make sure you unplug the refrigerator first.

Replace the water filter.

Approximately every six months, swap out your water filter. When filters become clogged with debris, they no longer remove impurities. New filters will rule out various health issues, with symptoms ranging from nausea and vomiting to cramps and diarrhea. 

Don’t:

Open the door excessively.

Only open and close the door when you need something inside of the refrigerator. Each time you open the door, cold air escapes. After you close it, the appliance uses energy to cool down the interior, which may eventually drive up your utility bills.

Overload the shelves.

Be mindful of how much weight you put on the refrigerator shelves, bins, and doors. They could crack or warp under pressure, causing premature wear and the need for refrigerator repairs.

Forget about the gasket.

Your refrigerator’s gasket is responsible for sealing cool air in the space. Clean it every so often to keep it from sticking with a mixture of 1 quart of warm water and 1 tablespoon of baking soda. When you notice damage, such as a rip, have a refrigerator repair expert replace it to prevent warm air from penetrating the interior.

 

The next time you need refrigerator repairs, contact Complete Appliance Service. Since 1980, they have provided dependable appliance repairs for ovens, stoves, washers, dryers, dishwashers, and microwaves throughout northern Kentucky and Cincinnati, OH. Call (513) 661-3708 to schedule a service appointment, or visit them online to learn more about their appliance repairs.