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 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.