How to Keep Your Refrigerator Looking and Running Like New

 

If you have a new refrigerator, chances are it set you back several hundreds of dollars. The average lifespan of a new fridge is slightly longer than a decade, but not all models last that long. If you want to extend the lifespan of your refrigerator and protect your investment, there are steps you can take to do so. Follow the tips below to keep your refrigerator looking and running like new.

Clean the condenser coils twice per year

It is inevitable for the condenser coils on the back of your refrigerator to become covered with dust and dirt after several months. It is common for owners to neglect this part of refrigerator maintenance, usually because they don't know how important they are to keep clean. Vacuuming these coils twice per year can do wonders for extending your refrigerator's life span.

Give your refrigerator a full cleaning monthly

Cleaning the inside and outside of your refrigerator once per month will help maintain its sparkling-new appearance. A full cleaning involves removing all food, shelves, and drawers and giving the inside surface a full wipe down with a cleaning agent and a cloth. You should also wash all shelves and drawers in the sink before replacing them in your refrigerator. After the inside is clean, wash all outside surfaces with a sponge – this includes the sides and top.

Keep your fridge full, but not too full

Refrigerators operate most efficiently when they are full. The more food you have in the refrigerator, the better it maintains its internal temperature when the door is opened. This reduces the workload on the compressor, which can really add up over time. If your refrigerator is usually empty, consider adding a few jugs of water to fill it up a little bit. Be careful though, over-stuffing a refrigerator can restrict airflow and actually lead to warm spots.

Routinely check your door seals

The rubber seals on your refrigerator door prevent cold air from escaping and warm air from entering. A faulty seal causes the internal temperature of your refrigerator to rise, which adds wear and tear to the unit's compressor. An easy way to test if your seals are operating at maximum performance is to close your refrigerator door on a dollar bill. If it is easy to slide or remove the dollar bill, you have a weak seal. Luckily, they are cheap and easy to replace.

Speedy Sub Zero specializes in Sub Zero refrigerator and freezer repairs in Long Island and New York City. If you live in Huntington, Dix Hills, Port Washington or the surrounding areas and need your SubZero refrigerator serviced, give us a call at 866-782-9376. Our fully-trained technicians keep their vans stocked with parts, allowing them to be at your door within an hour of your call. Visit our website or like us on Facebook for more information.