DIY Home Tune-Up for Your Refrigerator

When was the last time you brought your car to the mechanic for a tune up? What about your refrigerator?

Just like your automobile, your fridge will run better and last longer when it is properly maintained. Luckily, tuning up your refrigerator can be done in 20 minutes and won't set you back a couple hundred dollars like your car will.

Just follow this step-by-step routine every six months to keep your refrigerator running efficiently and extend its lifespan.

1. Remove all food from the inside of your refrigerator and unplug it from the wall. If you want, you can place your food in a cooler to help prevent it from spoiling.
2. Wipe down the shelves, drawers, and inner walls of your refrigerator with a soapy rag to get rid of any stains and residue.
3. Inspect the rubber door seal. If it is cracked or otherwise damaged, you should replace it to stop cold air from escaping. If everything looks good, wipe it down with a wet cloth and apply a thin coat of Vaseline to prevent it from drying out.
4. Slide your refrigerator away from the wall. Using the brush attachment for your vacuum cleaner, vacuum the condenser coils (located on the rear of the unit) to remove any visible dust and hair. This will improve your energy efficiency and place less wear-and-tear on your refrigerator's compressor.
5. If your refrigerator has a water dispenser or ice maker, replace the water filter. This process is different for every model, so refer to your owner's manual for further instructions.
6. Plug your refrigerator in, slide it back into place (leave at least six inches of space between the back of your fridge and the wall to allow for adequate ventilation), and replace your food – you're done!

If this seems like too much work, you can always seek professional help. Long Island residents can count on the services of Speedy Subzero for fast, dependable refrigerator repairs and tune ups. We have more than 75 years of experience and can be at your doorstep within one hour of your call – just dial 866-782-9376 at any time to speak with one of our licensed technicians.