5 Do's and Don'ts of Refrigerator Maintenance

You invested hundreds of dollars (if not more) into your refrigerator, don't you want it to last as long as possible? Your refrigerator is one of the only things in your home that runs around the clock, yet many people seem to forget that it needs basic routine maintenance.

If you are looking to keep your refrigerator in good shape for as long as possible, here is some advice on how to properly maintain it.

Do vacuum your condenser coils.

Because they are located on the back of the refrigerator, condenser coils are constantly forgotten about. The condenser coils are where your refrigerator releases a lot of heat, which it cannot effectively do if they are covered in dust. Clean these every six months with your vacuum cleaner's brush attachment.

Don't neglect your gasket.

The gasket is the rubber seal that lines your refrigerator door. It is responsible for keeping cold air in and warm air out, but it is often the first component of the refrigerator to need replacing. Apply a thin layer of Vaseline on the gasket every two months to strengthen the seal and prevent it from drying out and cracking, which leads to air loss.

Do give six inches of space.

Refrigerators work by removing heat from items and releasing it to the outside. This heat needs a place to escape, which is why it is important to leave six inches of space on all sides of the refrigerator. Putting it too close to cabinets or the wall can cause overheating.

Don't open the door all of the time.

Every time you open the refrigerator door, as much as 40% of the cold air can escape. This number is even higher when you stand there with the door open, searching for something to eat (hey, we all do it). Reduce the workload on your compressor and cut your energy bills by opening the door less and keeping it open for shorter periods of time.

Do call a technician if you suspect something is wrong.

Breakdowns usually don't happen overnight – most of the time your refrigerator will give you warning signs before malfunctioning. If you notice that your fridge is making loud noises, leaking, or constantly cycling on and off, you should call in a professional repairman before it leads to bigger problems.

Are you looking for a reliable, affordable refrigerator repair service in New York? Look no further than Speedy Refrigerator Service! Our licensed technicians can fix any make and model of refrigerator or freezer, plus we guarantee one hour service to Long Island and New York City! Visit our website for more information, or give us a call to set your same-day appointment at 866-782-9376.