Refrigerator Facts vs. Myths

There is a lot of false information circulating around the World Wide Web; it's time to clear some things up, as far as home appliances go at least. Read the five refrigerator-related statements below and determine if each one is a fact or a myth – you may be surprised.

Fact or Myth? - Like a car, refrigerators need basic maintenance.

Fact. Like your car needs periodic oil changes and brake replacements, your refrigerator also needs a little bit of care to run efficiently. Some things you can do to extend the lifespan of your refrigerator include vacuuming the condenser coils and regularly inspecting the gasket. Learn more about good fridge maintenance here.

Fact or Myth? - Your refrigerator only runs for a few hours a day.

Myth. Your refrigerator runs around-the-clock. It is the only appliance in your home that works 24/7 to keep your food fresh and your beverages refreshing.

Fact or Myth? - It doesn't matter where in your refrigerator you store your food.

Myth. Some areas in your refrigerator (such as the door) are warmer than others, which can leave food susceptible to spoiling. To learn more about the best areas in your refrigerator to store certain foods, click here.

Fact or Myth? - Keeping your refrigerator full can help you use less energy.

Fact. Believe it or not, keeping your fridge well-stocked can help save you money on your monthly energy bill. A full fridge maintains its temperature better when the door is opened, so the compressor doesn't have to work as hard to cool the inside off. Don't overstock your fridge though, that could actually reduce air circulation and lead to warm spots.

Fact or Myth? - All repair services are created equal.

Myth. The same repair job done by two different companies can yield two very different results. When you are searching for an appliance repair service, you want a company that provides fast, dependable service.

24/7 Refrigerator Repair provides same-day repairs on any make or model of refrigerator, freezer, ice maker, or wine cooler. If you need help fast, we also guarantee one-hour service to Long Island and New York City. See why people have depended on us for over 75 years, call 866-782-9376 today.

Food Safety Tips

The kitchen can be a dangerous place, and not for the reasons you are thinking. While you can be burned by hot stove tops or cut by sharp knives, the real danger lies elsewhere. Improper handling of your food can lead to food poisoning and other illnesses. Keep yourself and your stomach safe by following these tips.

• Store your raw meat on the bottom shelf of your refrigerator. Not only will this help keep it fresh for longer since it is the coldest area of the refrigerator, but it will prevent raw juices from dripping and contaminating foods beneath it.
  
  
• Refrigerated food should never be kept out more than 2 hours. When buying groceries, make sure to get them in the refrigerator in under two hours (one hour if the temperature of the air is 90° or higher) – after that they will no longer be good. 
   
• Use a separate cutting board for your meat. Avoid contaminating your fruits and vegetables by keeping a separate cutting board just for your raw meat, poultry, and seafood.
  
  
• Always wash your hands before and after dealing with food. Your health is in your hands, make it a habit to wash them with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds before and after you deal with food.
  
  
• Replace or sanitize your sponge every two weeks. Sponges provide the dark, moist climate that bacteria love. Replace yours every two weeks or sanitize it by throwing it in the microwave for two minutes to keep it clean and germ-free.
  
  
• Always cook food thoroughly. Avoid food poisoning and other illnesses by making sure to thoroughly cook all of your foods. Pork and poultry should be white on the inside and juices from red meat should run clear, not pink.
  
  
• Keep your refrigerator at 39°F or below. 40° and up is referred to as “The Danger Zone” because bacteria growth rates begin to triple. For optimal fresh food storage, keep your refrigerator between 34-38°.

If you notice that your fresh food constantly spoils before its expiration date, you may have a problem with your refrigerator. New York residents can count on 24/7 Refrigerator Repair for fast service at an affordable price. Our experts can fix any make or model of refrigerator or freezer, and we are on call 24/7/365. Contact us at any time to schedule a same-day appointment by calling 866-782-9376.

How to Find the Perfect Refrigerator

The average lifespan of a household refrigerator is around 10-12 years, so it isn't often that we find ourselves in the appliance store looking to buy a new one. With all of the different options available on newer models, it can be hard to figure out what's what. Next time you go refrigerator shopping, use the tips below to find the one that's perfect for you.

• Do your research. Before stepping foot in a store, do some research. Use online resources such as Consumer Reports to find the best-selling and most reliable manufacturers and models. Buying a refrigerator is an investment, make sure yours is going to last.
• Measure first. This is a mistake too many people have made. Nothing is worse than buying the seemingly-perfect refrigerator for your home and discovering it doesn't fit. Measure before you buy, then remeasure and measure it again just to be sure.
• Buy Energy Star. If you aren't considering buying an Energy Star-certified refrigerator, you should. An appliance earns an Energy Star label when it is tested and proven to deliver significant energy savings by the EPA. These models may have a higher price tag initially, but they will pay for themselves over time with the long-term energy savings they offer.
• Check multiple retailers. In today's age, there are hundreds of options when it comes to appliance retailers; both locally and online. Check several nearby stores and even internet retailers to make sure you are getting the best price possible on your new refrigerator.
• Try repairing first. Sometimes, a new refrigerator isn't necessary. If you are buying a new model to replace a malfunctioning unit, see if you can get it fixed first for a fraction of the cost.

Residents of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut can get fast refrigerator repairs at an affordable rate from the experts at 24/7 Refrigerator Service. For more than 75 years, we have proudly served Long Island and beyond, offering same-day service and in-home repairs for any make or model of refrigerator. We are available 24/7/365, so call us any time at 866-782-9376.

5 Foods You Would Never Think to Freeze

Earlier in the year, we wrote an article about foods that you should never freeze. Now, we think it is time to take the opposite approach and enlighten our readers about foods that can be frozen without consequence.

Baked Goods

All kinds of baked goods can be stored in the freezer to last longer than they would sitting on your countertop. Instead of lasting one or two weeks, frozen baked goods will stay fresh in the freezer until your sweet tooth can't resist them anymore. All kinds of baked items can be frozen: brownies, cookies, muffins, bagels, and even whole cakes – just make sure to put the icing on them after defrosting, not before freezing.

Fresh Fruit

The next time your favorite fruit goes on sale, you can stock up knowing that you can freeze it and enjoy it for months to come. If you are planning on freezing your fruit, make sure to wash and dry it beforehand. You should also complete any required cutting or pitting and freeze in small portions so you have convenient grab-and-go snacks.

Chocolate

Chocolate can be frozen in all forms, from baking chips to full-sized bars, but you need to take special care. Chocolate can be susceptible to picking up odors in your freezer, so wrap it well and put it in an air-tight container. You should also refrigerate the chocolate for 24 hours immediately before and after freezing it to help maintain its taste and consistency.

Herbs

Most herbs won't be visually appealing enough to be used as garnish after freezing, but their flavor will preserve just fine. Arrange a single layer of herbs on a baking sheet and freeze as is. After the herbs have frozen, you can peel them off of the baking sheet and store them in a container to save space.

Pasta Sauce

Have you ever made a single serving of pasta for yourself, and wound up throwing away the majority of the jar of sauce because you couldn't eat it fast enough? Prevent that from happening again by freezing your tomato or pesto sauce in an ice cube tray and heating up individual-sized servings as needed.

24/7 Refrigerator Repair is the fastest and most dependable refrigerator and freezer repair service in New York. Our technicians keep their vans fully-stocked in order to provide exceptional one-hour service and in-home repairs to our customers. If you live on Long Island and are experiencing problems with your refrigerator, freezer, ice-maker, or wine cooler, give us a call at 866-782-9376.

Reasons Why Your Refrigerator is Warm

Is all of the food in your refrigerator spoiling before its expiration date? If your beverages are no longer as cold and refreshing as they used to be, it could be due to a number of reasons. Read through the list below to see if you can cool down your refrigerator with these DIY solutions.

• The thermostat is too high. One likely reason why your refrigerator is not cold enough has to do with its temperature settings. Most refrigerators come with an adjustable thermostat; whether your model has a specific degree setting or a dial with “warmer” and “colder” options, crank up the cold and check back 24 hours later to see if your refrigerator has cooled down.
• Your condenser coils are dirty. When was the last time you cleaned your refrigerator’s condenser coils? If the answer is never, this could be the problem. These coils, located on the back of the refrigerator, are responsible for cooling the refrigerant is it flows through them. If they are coated in a thick layer of dust, they can’t properly release heat and your refrigerator’s cooling capacity is hindered.
• Your seal is broken. The seal on your refrigerator door, also known as the gasket, forms a barrier to keep cold air in and warm air out. Over time, this seal can dry out and crack, creating a passage for warm air to enter your refrigerator. If you suspect your seal is broken, a new one is inexpensive and can be installed in minutes.
• Your refrigerator is over-full. If your refrigerator is packed to the gills, the circulation of cold air could be hampered, leading to warm spots. A full fridge can actually help your refrigerator stay cooler by better retaining its temperature when the door is opened, but one which is overpacked can cause the opposite effect.

If you have checked all of these things and your refrigerator is still running warm, you could have a serious problem with one of the mechanical components. Luckily, you may be able to get it repaired for a fraction of the cost of purchasing a brand new model.

For more than 75 years, 24/7 Refrigerator Repairs has provided fast fridge repairs to Long Island, New York City, Connecticut, and New Jersey. We are fully licensed and insured, and offer same-day emergency services, so call 866-782-9376 today to schedule an appointment.

How to Defrost Your Refrigerator

If you don't have a self-defrosting refrigerator, you may notice a layer of ice accumulating in your freezer and on the back wall of your refrigerator. If left unattended, this build up will only grow and take up storage space, as well as increase your monthly energy bill.

It is an unpleasant task that most of us would rather not do, but it's better to take a few minutes out of your day every six months than to fork over money to the utility company and potentially the appliance repairman.

Here is how to defrost your refrigerator in 20 minutes or less:

1. Unplug the unit, open the refrigerator and freezer doors, and remove all items from the inside. You can place your food in a cooler if you wish, but it is not necessary since this will be a quick job.
2. Remove all shelves and drawers from the refrigerator. You can take advantage of this opportunity to wash them off in the sink if you'd like.
3. Place a towel at the foot of the refrigerator to minimize flooding/pooling of water.
4. Using a hair dryer, heat around the outside of the ice build up. The intention is to melt the edges just enough so you can remove it in one chunk instead of letting a stream of water run down your refrigerator.  
   BE CAREFUL NOT TO MAKE CONTACT WITH ANY WATER WHILE USING THE HAIR DRYER.
5. Use a plastic spatula to remove the ice build up.
6. Wipe your refrigerator dry, replace the shelves and food, close the doors, and plug your appliance back in. That's it!

If you are defrosting your refrigerator and discover any kind of leaking or loud, unusual noises, call 24/7 Refrigerator Repair at 866-782-9376. We have been servicing Long Island, New York City, and beyond for more than 75 years and offer same-day appointments in the comfort of your own home. Our phone lines are always open in case of emergency, so call 866-782-9376 at any time for a fast refrigerator repair.