Top Refrigerator Maintenance Tips For Your Fridge
The refrigerator is one of the most essential appliances in our homes, alongside water heaters and dishwashers. It keeps our food fresh, safe, and ready to eat. But like any appliance, regular refrigerator maintenance is a must to stay in top shape. A well-maintained refrigerator runs smoothly, keeps food at the right temperature, and avoids overworking itself—helping you save on electricity bills.Â
Neglecting your fridge can lead to inefficiencies, higher energy costs, and expensive repairs. Worse, it could leave you with spoiled food during a busy week! That’s why proper fridge care is so important.Â
In this post, we’ll share refrigerator maintenance tips to keep your appliance in great shape. A little effort can extend its lifespan, improve its performance, and save you money.
Why Fridge Maintenance Matters
Your refrigerator and freezer works non-stop to keep your food safe, but it needs some upkeep to run efficiently. Proper maintenance ensures it stays at the right temperature without overworking, reducing breakdowns and lowering energy bills.Â
Even small issues, like dirty components or a poorly sealed door, can lead to higher energy use and strain on the appliance. Regular maintenance keeps your fridge reliable, energy-efficient, and protects your investment—since refrigerators aren’t cheap!Â
Ready to give your fridge some TLC? Here are the top maintenance tasks you should be doing.
Your Refrigerator Maintenance Checklist
Clean the Condenser Coils
The condenser coils are key to your fridge’s cooling system, releasing heat to keep everything inside cold. Over time, dust, pet hair, and debris can clog the coils, forcing the fridge to work harder, increasing energy bills, and shortening its lifespan.Â
To prevent this, clean the coils twice a year using a vacuum with a brush attachment or a coil-cleaning brush. Coils are usually located at the back, underneath, or behind a removable panel. Regular cleaning keeps your fridge efficient and prevents breakdowns.Â
Pro tip: If you have pets, clean the coils more often since pet hair builds up quickly.
Defrost Your Freezer
For manual-defrost freezers, regular defrosting is a must. Ice buildup makes cooling harder, wastes energy, and can damage the fridge.Â
Defrost every six months or when frost is thicker than ÂĽ inch. Unplug the fridge, empty it, and let the ice melt. Once defrosted, clean the freezer with warm water and mild detergent before plugging it back in. A frost-free freezer cools better and leaves more space for food.
Keep Your Refrigerator Level
Did you know an uneven refrigerator can cause problems? If your fridge isn’t level, the doors may not seal properly, letting warm air in and cold air out. This makes the fridge work harder, increasing energy use and wearing down components faster. Â
To check if your fridge is level, use a carpenter’s level on top of the appliance. If it’s tilted, adjust the leveling legs or screws near the base until it’s even. A level fridge keeps the doors sealed, your food fresh, and your energy bills low.
Organize Your Refrigerator
A cluttered fridge makes it harder to find items and can block airflow, affecting cooling efficiency. Organize your fridge by grouping similar items and avoiding overloading shelves. This helps air circulate properly, keeping everything evenly cooled. Â
By doing these simple tasks, you can keep your fridge running smoothly, save money, and avoid future frustration. A little effort now means years of reliable performance.
Check Door Seals
Refrigerator door seals are crucial for keeping cold air in and warm air out, maintaining the right temperature for your food. Over time, seals can wear out, becoming loose, cracked, or damaged, which disrupts cooling, speeds up food spoilage, and increases energy use.Â
Clean the seals regularly with soap and water to prevent dirt buildup, and check them every few months for damage. Replace worn-out seals promptly to keep your fridge efficient, extend its lifespan, and lower energy bills.
Set the Proper Temperature
Keeping your refrigerator at the right temperature is crucial for smooth operation and food safety. The FDA recommends setting your fridge to 40°F or below and your freezer to 0°F to slow the growth of harmful bacteria and keep food fresh.Â
Check the temperature regularly using a thermometer or built-in display to prevent spoilage and waste. Organize shelves and avoid overloading them to allow proper airflow for consistent cooling. Blocked vents can lead to uneven temperatures and food spoilage. Following these tips can boost your fridge’s performance, save energy, and reduce food waste.
Add More Items
Did you know a fuller fridge runs more efficiently? This is due to thermal mass—cold items help stabilize the internal temperature and reduce the impact of warm air when the door is opened. Stocking your fridge with food and drinks keeps everything fresher for longer.Â
A stocked fridge also reduces the workload on the compressor, saving energy and extending the appliance’s lifespan. If your fridge is empty, add items like water bottles or non-perishable goods to fill gaps. This simple step stabilizes temperatures, improves efficiency, and lowers spoilage risks.
Need Help With Your Fridge, Hire a Professional
Maintaining your refrigerator is key to keeping it efficient and reliable. By setting the right temperature, cleaning coils, and ensuring proper airflow, you can improve its performance and avoid costly repairs.Â
If you’re facing issues or notice some warning signs, calling an expert is the best solution. For those in Sacramento, Fix-it Rite is here to help. Our skilled professionals can handle any refrigerator problem. Call us at (916) 363-6022 to schedule an appointment or take advantage of our emergency services!