How to Make Your Refrigerator Last Longer
Filed under: Food & Drink, House & Home
"They just don't make things like they used to," may be cliche but, unfortunately it's all too true. Refrigerators that last a lifetime are a thing of the past but there are things you can do to to ensure that yours lasts as long as possible.
Here are a few tips from The Family Handyman on how to make your refrigerator last longer:
Vacuum the Condenser Coils
Condenser coils cool and condense the refrigerant and, when they're clogged with pet hair, dust and other debris, they can't do the job properly. That means that the compressor has to work harder and longer than it was designed to do, using more energy and shortening the life of the fridge.
The coils are located either on the back of the fridge or across the bottom. They should be cleaned and vacuumed twice a year, more if you have pets who shed. Always unplug the fridge before you start working on it.
Check the Seal
Clean the door seal regularly. Use only warm water as detergent can damage it. Sticky substances like syrup or jelly dripping on the seal can dry and glue it to the frame. This could cause the seal to tear the next time you open the fridge door.
Keeping the seal clean will the keep cool air in the fridge where it belongs and prevent costly repairs.
Defrost the Freezer Section
Most newer model refrigerator freezers defrost automatically. If yours doesn't, make a point of defrosting the freezer whenever the ice builds up more than 1/4 inch.
Also, keep the freezer vents free of obstructions and clean crumbs and stray twist ties out of the air return.
Clean the Drip Pan and Drip Openings
The drip pan is located behind a panel at the front of the fridge on most frost-free models and is there to catch water that has melted during the defrost cycle. It should be emptied and cleaned once every three to four months.
Check your owner's manual for the location of the drip openings on your fridge. These allow the water to flow down to the drip pan and need to be kept clear of debris to prevent problems.
Check the Temperature
The Family Handyman recommends setting the temperatures to the middle settings. Adjustments can be made according to a refrigerator thermometer. The best setting for the fridge is between 38 and 42 degrees F and between zero and 10 degrees for the freezer.
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RELATED LINKS:
Keep Food Fresh in the Fridge
The Greenest - And Coolest - Home Appliances
Fix It or Forget It?
Marlene Alexander is a freelance writer. She writes tips and ideas for budget decorating on her website, Dollar Store Style.
Here are a few tips from The Family Handyman on how to make your refrigerator last longer:
SLIDESHOW:MAKE YOUR FRIDGE LAST LONGER:
Vacuum the Condenser Coils
Condenser coils cool and condense the refrigerant and, when they're clogged with pet hair, dust and other debris, they can't do the job properly. That means that the compressor has to work harder and longer than it was designed to do, using more energy and shortening the life of the fridge.
The coils are located either on the back of the fridge or across the bottom. They should be cleaned and vacuumed twice a year, more if you have pets who shed. Always unplug the fridge before you start working on it.
Check the Seal
Clean the door seal regularly. Use only warm water as detergent can damage it. Sticky substances like syrup or jelly dripping on the seal can dry and glue it to the frame. This could cause the seal to tear the next time you open the fridge door.
Keeping the seal clean will the keep cool air in the fridge where it belongs and prevent costly repairs.
Defrost the Freezer Section
Most newer model refrigerator freezers defrost automatically. If yours doesn't, make a point of defrosting the freezer whenever the ice builds up more than 1/4 inch.
Also, keep the freezer vents free of obstructions and clean crumbs and stray twist ties out of the air return.
Clean the Drip Pan and Drip Openings
The drip pan is located behind a panel at the front of the fridge on most frost-free models and is there to catch water that has melted during the defrost cycle. It should be emptied and cleaned once every three to four months.
Check your owner's manual for the location of the drip openings on your fridge. These allow the water to flow down to the drip pan and need to be kept clear of debris to prevent problems.
Check the Temperature
The Family Handyman recommends setting the temperatures to the middle settings. Adjustments can be made according to a refrigerator thermometer. The best setting for the fridge is between 38 and 42 degrees F and between zero and 10 degrees for the freezer.
Like this article? Don't miss another one. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook
RELATED LINKS:
Keep Food Fresh in the Fridge
The Greenest - And Coolest - Home Appliances
Fix It or Forget It?
Marlene Alexander is a freelance writer. She writes tips and ideas for budget decorating on her website, Dollar Store Style.
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