Tips on how to maintain the fridge

JUST like all appliances, the fridge requires unique attention. Many people think maintaining your refrigerator comes with a few simple tasks, like adjusting the temperature, cleaning your spilled food or keeping ice from forming in the back, but these just scratch the surface.

Routine fridge maintenance will help you cut down on your electricity costs by helping it run more efficiently.

Clean the coils

Maintaining your refrigerator can start with checking the coils. You might notice the back of your fridge excessively heating up, which is a common sign the fridge is working extra-hard to keep your food cold.

Start by making sure there is no debris blocking the back of your fridge, such as cardboard or items that may have fallen behind the fridge. Then, clear the back of your fridge by using a bristle brush and vacuum to clean the area for build-up and dust. This should be routine maintenance for you to check on at least twice per year, especially before and after summer time.

Clean/replace the door seal The seal around the door is called the gasket. This rubber seal can become damaged over time and may prevent the door from fully closing. First, check for debris in the way and use a cloth with cleaning supplies to clean around the door for grime build-up. If your door has trouble closing or if you notice damage around any part of the seal, you may have to replace the gasket. Petroleum jelly is a quick fix to pack small tears with a sealing material. If you notice multiple tears, then it will have to be replaced.

Clean or defrost the inside

You might notice strange odours in your fridge or excess frost around the inside. It is best to routinely defrost the inside of your fridge to prevent this built-up when you notice it. To defrost and clean the inside, you will have to turn your fridge off, empty it, allow the frost to melt, and then clean the inside. This will get rid of any traces of food and help your fridge run more efficiently.

Tips to make your fridge last longer

1. Do not overfill your fridge or keep it empty.

This will make your fridge work too hard or could be set too cold when it is not needed.

2. Keep it away from the heat. Do not place your fridge directly next to a warm area of your home, such as the oven or beside a heating vent.

3. Do not store heavy items on top of your fridge. This could decrease its efficiency for cooling off the back coils.

When to replace the fridge

Refrigerators do not last forever, and they are very important to every household. The lifespan of a fridge can last all the way up to 19 years, but this is in the best possible circumstances.

Signs your refrigerator is dying

The symptoms are not always clear, but there are four common signs your fridge has a problem:

◆ Ice maker does not work.

◆ The fridge sweats so that the floor is wet.

◆ The back coils are burning hot.

◆ Temperatures are too high or too low. —

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