Everything You Need To Know About Your Refrigerator's Gasket

What is a Refrigerator Gasket?

Open your refrigerator and carefully examine the door. Look closely at the perimeter – you should see an elastic strip that runs around the entire edge of the door; this is the gasket.

The gasket is a rubber seal designed to keep the cold air in your refrigerator and the warm air out. This seal forms a barrier in order to keep a constant internal temperature and preserve your food for longer. A damaged gasket allows for air exchange between the inside of your refrigerator and the warm outside, which can cause all kinds of problems.

Gaskets: A Key to Energy Efficiency

The gasket is a huge factor in the energy efficiency of your refrigerator. When functioning properly, the gasket forms an air-tight seal around your refrigerator, ensuring that no cold air leaks out. If your gasket is cracked, damaged, or just worn out, your refrigerator's compressor will have to work extra hard to maintain the internal temperature. This results in higher energy bills every month and puts your refrigerator at a higher risk for future breakdowns and repairs.

Here is an easy way to test how strong your gasket is: close your refrigerator door on a dollar bill so that half of it is sticking out. Try sliding the dollar up and down along the door; if it easily moves, your gasket is weak and your energy efficiency is probably suffering. Luckily, replacement gaskets are inexpensive and easy to install.

How to Maintain Your Gasket

While new refrigerators have an average lifespan of about 15 years, gaskets do not. Gaskets are usually the first component of the refrigerator to need replacing, but you can extend the lifespan of yours with a simple cleaning performed every couple of months. To clean your refrigerator gasket:

1. Gently scrub around the gasket with warm water and a mild dish detergent. Scrub until all visible signs of dirt, mildew, and other grime are gone.
2. Completely dry the gasket with a clean towel.
3. Place a small amount of Vaseline all around the gasket to prevent it from drying out and cracking.

If your refrigerator's energy consumption is on the rise but your gasket shows no signs of damage, there could be a serious issue. If you live in New York and are dealing with a malfunctioning fridge, call Speedy Subzero Repairs at 866-782-9376. We offer one-hour service to Long Island and 24/7 emergency support. For more information, click here to visit our website.