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.

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.

Top 5 Articles of 2014

The refrigeration experts at 24/7 Refrigerator Repair dedicate their time to share their wealth of knowledge to anyone who is willing to read it in the form of our official blog. Since August, we have published more than 25 blogs for our visitors to read and share. Now that 2015 is upon us, let's take a look at our 5 most-viewed articles from last year. If any of these articles interest you, click the title to be taken straight to the webpage.

5. 4 Foods That Shouldn't Be Refrigerated

Every household has their own unique set of rules about which foods should be refrigerated and which foods should be stored in the pantry. Some foods – such as ketchup or grape jelly – can safely be stored warm or cold, but there are four specific foods that shouldn't be refrigerated under any circumstance. Learn what those foods are in this article.

4. How to Properly Clean & Maintain Your Refrigerator

Like a car, your refrigerator will run for longer with a regular maintenance schedule. And because they store items such as raw meats, dairy, and leftover food, refrigerators can quickly develop bacteria and unpleasant odors if left unattended. This article gives a full maintenance and cleaning routine with detailed instructions to help extend your refrigerator's lifespan.

3. Benefits of Counter-Depth Refrigerators

Due to their aesthetic appeal and upscale appearance, counter-depth refrigerators are growing in popularity across the country. They are more than just a pretty face, however and offer many benefits to their owners. If you are thinking about investing in a counter-depth refrigerator for your kitchen or would like to learn more about the style, give this article a read.

2. Tips When Shopping for a New Refrigerator

Since the average refrigerator lasts roughly 12 years, it is not too often that you find yourself in the appliance store looking for a new one. So many advancements and improvements have been made to refrigerators in the past ten years, that it can be difficult to determine which models are better than others. If you are currently shopping for a new refrigerator, read this short article to help you pick the one that is best for you and your kitchen.

1. Different Products We Service

Even though we are named 24/7 Refrigerator Repair, we service more than just refrigerators. Our licensed technicians are experts in the restoration of all makes and models of freezers, ice makers, and wine coolers too. If you live in New York City or Long Island and are in need of a refrigeration repair service, see if we can help you out.

24/7 Refrigerator Repair is a repair service located in New York. Our technicians are certified to repair any make and model of refrigerator, freezer, or ice maker and have over 70 years of experience. Our vans are fully stocked with tools and spare parts, which allows us to provide 1-hour service to Long Island and New York City. To schedule a visit at your earliest convenience, call us at 866-782-9376.

4 Keys to Refrigerator Maintenance

Appliances aren't cheap – and refrigerators are no exception. New refrigerators start at several hundreds of dollars, and top-end models can easily sell for several thousands. No matter how much you paid for yours, chances are you will want it to last as long as possible. Save yourself from refrigerator breakdowns by following these four simple tips, courtesy of the experts at 24/7 Refrigerator Service.

Clean the Condenser Coils

Condenser coils are located on the back of your refrigerator, and are a key component to your refrigerator's operation. Even in the cleanest of homes, these coils accumulate hair, dust, and dirt over the course of several months. Taking a few minutes to clean them every six months will go a long way to preserving your refrigerator over time. To clean them, simply slide your fridge away from the wall and vacuum the coils with your cleaner's brush attachment.

Keep it Full

Keeping your refrigerator full will help it maintain its temperature when the door is open. The benefit of this, besides a consistent temperature for your food, is that your compressor won't have to work as hard. The compressor is the most vital part of a refrigerator and saving it from daily wear and tear adds up over your appliance's lifespan. Be careful though, as overstocking your fridge could prevent proper air circulation and lead to warm spots.

Give the Refrigerator Adequate Space

Make sure there is at least a six inch gap between the back of your refrigerator and the wall. The back of the refrigerator contains components which are constantly working and generating heat. Leaving enough space ensures adequate ventilation and will prevent your unit from overheating.

Check Your Seals

Your refrigerator door is lined with a rubber seal which is also known as a gasket. This seal remains air tight to keep the cold air in your fridge. A faulty seal will allow the cold air to be lost to the outside and warm air to enter it, which will make your compressor work harder to maintain the temperature. An easy way to test the strength of your refrigerator's seal is to close the door on a dollar bill. If you can easily remove or slide the dollar up and down, you should replace the seal immediately.

If your refrigerator is giving you issues, there is a chance you could repair it for a fraction of the cost of replacing it. If you live in Nassau County or New York City and are having refrigerator issues, call 24/7 Refrigerator Service at 866-782-9376 to schedule an appointment with a trained technician. You can also connect with us on social media for more tips and advice – we are active on both Facebook and Twitter.