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The kitchen is the hub of activity in most homes, with the refrigerator at the center of the action. A working fridge is crucial to keep food fresh and prevent wasted groceries and energy. To reduce the need for refrigerator repair, a little bit of routine maintenance can go a long way. Here are a few do’s and don’ts to follow. 

Do:

Maintain condenser coils.

The condenser coils, which are located behind or beneath the unit, keep the machine cool. Dirt or dust can accumulate on them and reduce their efficiency. This can require the refrigerator to work harder to maintain the desired interior temperature.

In addition to wasting energy and increasing your electric bills, this can also lead to wear and tear. Use a vacuum or brush to clean the coils periodically. 

Clean the door seal. 

refrigerator repairThe door seal, or gasket, is designed to insulate the refrigerator and keep cold air in and warm air out. If it’s broken or dirty, leaks can occur, resulting in higher electric bills. Periodically clean the gaskets with soap and water and check for cracks or tears.

You can check the effectiveness by slipping a dollar bill in between the gasket and door and closing the door. If the bill slides down easily with the door closed, it may be time to have a refrigerator repair professional replace the seal. Applying a thin layer of vaseline on the seal once a month can help keep it lubricated and reduce cracking. 

Don’t:

Overload the refrigerator. 

Overloading the refrigerator requires it to use more energy to keep items cool and overworks your appliance. Overstuffing can also strain the shelves and bins, which may damage them. Avoid putting too many groceries in your fridge and try to keep your unit organized and tidy, with evenly-dispersed weight on the shelving. 

Keep the door open. 

Every time you open the door, cold air escapes. When you stand with the door open for long periods of time, the machine has to work harder to produce enough fresh air to maintain a consistent interior temperature. Try to decide what you’re going to retrieve before you open the door, and keep opening and closing the unit to a minimum. 

 

If your unit isn’t working as well as it should, don’t hesitate to schedule refrigerator repair. Complete Appliance Service has been the Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati area’s go-to business for appliance repair since 1980. With a consistent A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau®, it’s no wonder they are the community’s preferred fridge repair provider. Call (513) 661-3708 to speak with a friendly staff member or visit the website to request a quote and learn more about what they can do for you. 

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