In the world of appliances, the refrigerator is the workhorse of any home. A fridge that is not functioning properly can be a serious inconvenience, leading to spoiled food and other problems. To prevent your fridge from future costly repairs and ensure its longevity, let's delve into some helpful tips for fridge repairs, maintenance, and fridge cleaning tips.
Fridge Maintenance Tips
Just as we conduct maintenance on our cars, regular checks and tweaks to your fridge can keep it running smoothly. Proper fridge maintenance is essential to ensure optimal performance and longevity. From cleaning the interior to checking the door seals, these are the tricks of the trade that will help keep your refrigerator running smoothly.
Keep It Clean
Cleanliness isn't just about aesthetic appeal. Regularly cleaning your refrigerator can improve efficiency and prevent unpleasant odours. It's an essential aspect of fridge maintenance.
Check the Door Seals
Loose seals allow cool air to seep out, wasting energy and causing your fridge to work harder. To check, close the door over a thin piece of paper or a dollar bill. If the paper or bill can be easily pulled out, your seals might need replacing.
Set the Right Temperature
Your fridge should be between 3°C and 5°C, while your freezer should be set at or below -18°C. Any temperature setting beyond this might increase wear and tear and result in unnecessary energy consumption.
Fridge Rules to Adopt
Just like any other appliance, the way you use your fridge can also determine its lifespan. Here are some fridge rules to adopt:
Fill It Up (But Not Too Much)
While a full fridge retains cold better than an empty one, don't overstuff it. The cool items inside help absorb warm air that enters when you open the door, but you still need to allow for sufficient air circulation.
Be Ready for Summer
When it's hot and humid, refrigerators have to work harder. Keep the room temperature optimised and ensure the fridge is well-ventilated.
Cover Your Foods
Ensure your foods are well covered before storing them in the fridge. This reduces the workload on the compressor as less moisture will be released.
Proactive Measures to avoid costly fridge repairs
Aside from these tips, being proactive with certain measures can save you from serious trouble down the line.
Clean the Coils
Dust and dirt build-up on the condenser coils can hinder your fridge's efficiency. Ensuring these are clean every six months can prevent such issues.
Inspect the Drain Pan and Hole
Check the drain hole and drip pan regularly. Over time, food particles can clog up the system and lead to a leak.
Avoid Leaving the Door Open
Remember to close the fridge door as soon as possible after use. This ensures your fridge isn't working extra hard to maintain its temperature.
Regular Professional Check-up
It's advisable to have a professional tradesperson carry out routine inspections on your fridge. They can spot potential issues early and fix them before they become costly problems. You can easily find a trusted expert on YourPro to help with this.
Final Thoughts
By following these tips, you can ensure your fridge runs efficiently for years to come. However, if your fridge starts behaving unusually, it's best to book a skilled tradesperson on YourPro to assess the issue. Seeking professional assistance will help avoid exacerbating the problem and prevent costly fridge repairs.