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.

Refrigerator Maintenance Routine

If you have recently taken a trip to the appliance store, you know that refrigerators are no small purchase. If you have a new refrigerator, or even if you have an old one, you are probably looking to maximize your investment by making it last as long as possible.

Just like anything else, your refrigerator will run better and last longer when it is properly maintained. If you don't know how to start caring for your fridge, just follow this simple maintenance routine.

On a daily basis...

• Keep your fridge well-stocked. Refrigerators perform best when they have a lot of thermal mass – a.k.a. a lot of stuff inside of them. A well-stocked fridge will better maintain its temperature when the door is opened, thus reducing the workload on the compressor.
• Avoid keeping the door open. Every time you open the door, as much as 50% of the cold air inside your refrigerator escapes. Minimizing how many times you open your refrigerator and how long you keep it open for will keep your energy bills down and extend the lifespan of your appliance.

On a monthly basis...

• Give your refrigerator a deep cleaning. Every month, give your refrigerator a deep cleaning to keep it looking like new. This involves removing all food, shelves, and drawers and giving the entire interior a wipe down with a soapy rag.
• Moisturize the gaskets. The rubber seals located along the edge of your refrigerator and freezer doors are known for drying out and cracking. When this happens, warm air from the outside can enter into your fridge, even when the door is closed. Prevent this from happening to you by applying a thin layer of Vaseline to your gaskets once per month.

Every six months...

• Vacuum the condenser coils. The condenser coils are a key player in the energy-efficiency of your refrigerator. They are located on the back of most units, and can accumulate a thick coating of dust and pet hair if they aren't cared for. Clean these twice per year using the brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner.
• Change your water filter. If your fridge has a water dispenser, its filter will need to be routinely changed to in order keep your drinking water pure and bacteria-free. Most manufacturers recommend changing these every six months, but it is best to refer to your owner's manual for instructions specific to your model.

Neglecting these basic needs for your refrigerator can lead to all sorts of problems. If your fridge is on the fritz, don't head to the appliance store just yet; you may be able to repair yours for a fraction of the cost of a new model. If you live in New York City, Long Island, New Jersey, or Connecticut and are experiencing refrigerator trouble, give Speedy Refrigerator Service a call at 866-782-9376. We guarantee that we will be at your door within one hour of your call and we complete most repairs same-day in the comfort of your own home. Our phone lines are open 24/7/365, so just call 866-782-9376 at any time to schedule a visit from one of our licensed technicians.

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.

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.

3 Signs That You Need to Get Your Refrigerator Fixed

You may not realize this, but the common household refrigerator is actually a complex machine that has a lot of individual parts all working together to keep your food cold. If just one of these parts malfunctions, it could cause your whole refrigerator to stop working. Combine that with the fact that the fridge is the only household appliance to work 24 hours a day, and it is easy to see how breakdowns can occur. Luckily for you, 24/7 Refrigerator Repair has put together this list of common signs that you should get your fridge fixed so that you can address these problems before it is too late.

The Motor Doesn't Turn Off

It is normal for your refrigerator's compressor to cycle on and off throughout the day. It is not normal for the compressor to run all day, every day. If you feel like your refrigerator has not stopped running in a while, it may be in your best interest to get it checked out. Keep in mind that if you have recently adjusted the temperature settings, it is not uncommon for a refrigerator to run for up to 24 hours straight. However, if it has been going for days, there is most likely a problem – usually either with the thermostat or compressor. In either case, call a local appliance repair service, such as 24/7 Refrigerator Repair, to have a professional take a look.

Spoiled Food

All food will eventually spoil, regardless of how well your refrigerator is working. But when a lot of your food starts spoiling prematurely, this is a red flag. Food expiring well before it should is a sign that your fridge is not maintaining the temperature that it should be. There is no one problem that specifically causes this to happen – it could be an issue with the sealing system, coolant, compressor, or a number of other things. In order to correctly diagnose the problem and see if your refrigerator can be fixed, contact a local refrigerator handyman service.

Leakage

If you notice puddles of liquid forming either in the refrigerator or under it, there is a problem. This can range from faulty seals, which can be easily replaced for cheap, to a break in the tube channel, which is much more serious. If your fridge is causing liquids to pool, contact a professional immediately.

At 24/7 Refrigerate Repair, our technicians are familiar with all of these problems and the best ways to fix them. With over 60 years of experience, there is no better refrigerator repair service in all of Long Island or Queens. You can visit our website or like our Facebook page for more information. 

Source: eHow

How to Properly Clean & Maintain Your Refrigerator

Like any appliance in your home, your refrigerator is an investment. Most refrigerators are designed to last for about two decades, but not all of them do. The brand and model of your fridge play a large role in determining its lifespan, but how well you maintain it over the years can be even more important. If you buy your refrigerator, plug it in, then neglect it, you risk severely shortening its serviceable life.

The experts at 24/7 Refrigerator Service have provided some basic information on proper refrigerator maintenance and cleaning techniques so that you can get the most out of your kitchen's most-used appliance. 

Clean condenser coils every six months. Over time, dust, hair, and other pollutants can coat the condenser coils on your refrigerator. When this happens, it forces the refrigerator to work harder than necessary, increasing your unit's energy consumption and putting unneeded wear-and-tear on it. To clean the coils, shut off your refrigerator's water supply lines (if you have any) and unplug it from the outlet. Slide the fridge away from the wall and locate the coils, usually positioned either underneath the unit or on its rear. Thoroughly vacuum the coils with your cleaner's hose attachment until all noticeable buildup is gone. Plug the refrigerator back into the wall, slide it back to its proper position, and reconnect any water supply lines.

Clean & replace door seal as needed. The rubber seal around the door, known as the gasket, is a very important mechanism. If this piece is loose, cracked, or damaged in any way, it allows external warm air to enter the refrigerator. In turn, the fridge must work harder to maintain its internal temperature. When you notice the gasket getting dirty, wipe it down with a rag covered in water and a mild cleaning detergent. While cleaning it, quickly inspect it for cracks, tears, or loose edges. If there are any damages, gaskets are quick, easy, and cheap to replace. Replacing a gasket when you notice it is flawed will save you from months of higher electricity bills and potentially long term wear-and-tear to your refrigerator.

Defrost your freezer as needed. When the frost on the walls of your freezer becomes ½ an inch thick, it is time for a defrost. To do this, remove all of the food in your refrigerator and freezer and unplug the unit. Once the frost has completely melted, wipe the inside dry and plug it back in. Once it has reached its normal operating temperature, you can restock it with your fresh and frozen foods.

Clean the drip pan every month. Many newer refrigerator models are “auto-defrosting”. These models heat up the interior walls every eight hours or so in order to melt any ice that had accumulated on them. The water then drains into a pan at the bottom of the refrigerator. Most of this water evaporates, but it is still recommended to clean this pan with soap and warm water once a month to prevent the growth of bacteria. On most models, the drip pan can be accessed by detaching the kickplate from the bottom of the front of the unit. 

Check for spoiled food and spills daily. In order to prevent bacteria growth and unpleasant odors in your refrigerator, you should check it every day in order to make sure that there is no spoiled food sitting there. Also, do a quick eye test for anything that may have recently spilled or leaked. Cleaning up messes as soon as you notice them is much quicker than after allowing the food to sit and harden. It will also prevent the food from developing a stench and attracting bacteria.

Clean the interior every three months. While you should clean any obvious spills, leaks, or messes in your refrigerator right away, you should also give the entire interior a thorough cleaning seasonally. To do this, take all of the food out of your refrigerator followed by any removable shelves and drawers. Clean all pieces in the sink with warm water and dish soap and allow them to air dry. Wipe the walls and other interior surfaces of the refrigerator with the cleaning agent of your choice. Make sure everything is dry before replacing the shelves and drawers in your refrigerator. Go through your food and throw away anything that has spoiled or expired, and place the remaining food back in the fridge.

Replace filters every six months. If your refrigerator has an automatic ice maker or water dispenser, it will have filters that should be replaced twice per year. Every refrigerator is different, instructions for your particular model should be included in the instruction manual.

Following these steps will ensure that you maximize the lifespan of your refrigerator. However, no matter how well you maintain your appliances, they will eventually need repair. When that time comes, you can always call 24/7 Refrigerator Service. Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, we can be at your door within an hour if you live in the tri-state area. You can also like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get more insightful tips and stay up to date on company news.