4 Ways to Extend Your Refrigerator's Lifespan

The average lifespan of a brand new refrigerator is roughly 15 years, depending on the model, size, and upkeep. However, even the best refrigerators on the market won't live to see 10 if you don't give them a little bit of TLC every now and again.

Avoid a trip to the appliance store and extend the lifespan of your refrigerator by following these four simple tips:

• Vacuum your condenser coils. These coils are usually located on the back of your refrigerator and can accumulate a thick layer of dust over time. Clean these every six months with your vacuum to avoid putting extra wear-and-tear and your fridge.
• Maintain the gasket. The gasket is the rubber seal that runs around the perimeter of your refrigerator door, and keeps the warm air out. These gaskets are known to crack, which can cause your refrigerator to lose cold air. Periodically wipe the gasket clean with soap and water and apply a thin layer of Vaseline to keep it from drying out and cracking.
• Keep away from heat sources. Keeping your refrigerator away from sources of heat reduces the amount of work that the compressor must undergo in order to maintain a cold temperature. This includes heat-generating appliances such as your stove, but also avoid exposure to direct sunlight if possible.
• Avoid keeping the door open. Every time you open your refrigerator door, you lose a little bit of cold air. Keeping the door open for long periods of time will cause you to lose more than just a little warm air, and your refrigerator will have to work harder to cool down. When you are making a recipe which calls for multiple refrigerated items, take them all out in one trip and try to avoid staring into an open fridge looking for something to eat (hey, we all do it!).

If your refrigerator is on the fritz, replacing it isn't always necessary. Often times, you can get your refrigerator fixed for the fraction of the cost of buying a new model. If you live in New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut, you can count on 24/7 Refrigerator Repair for speedy, dependable service. Our phone lines are open 24/7 and same-day appointments are available, so call 866-782-9376 today.