Things to Consider When Refrigerator Shopping

Most refrigerators last anywhere from 10-20 years, so it's not very often you find yourself at the local appliance store looking for a new one. A brand new fridge can set you back several hundreds, if not thousands of dollars, so it is important that you do your research beforehand to make sure you get one you are happy with.

If you are in the process of buying a new refrigerator, here are some things to consider before making your final purchase:

• Size. Size is probably the most important thing to consider when shopping for a new refrigerator, because it physically limits your options. Make sure to double measure how much room you have for your new refrigerator, and remember to give a six inch clearance on all sides to allow for adequate ventilation.

• Style. There are four styles of refrigerators: top-freezer, bottom-freezer, side-by-side, and French door. Each configuration has its own advantages and disadvantages; the one that is best for should be determined by your personal preferences, food-shopping habits, and budget. Click here to learn which type of refrigerator is best for your family.

• Brand. The manufacturer of the appliance is another important quality to consider when going through the buying process. Some brands tend to last longer, some offer better warranties, and some are just preferred by different consumers.

• Energy-Efficiency. When making a purchasing decision, it is important to think long-term. Buying a new refrigerator will not only cost you money up-front, it will continue to affect you every month for the duration of its lifespan. Choosing an Energy Star-certified model may cost a little more initially, but the money it will save you on electricity bills may make it worth the investment.

• Features. Extra features such as a built-in water dispenser or automatic defrosting capability may be useful, but they are a sure bet to increase the total cost of your refrigerator. You should determine what features are nothing but an added convenience, and which ones you absolutely can't live without.

Before heading to the store to buy a new refrigerator, you should look into getting your old one fixed. Repairing your current refrigerator can usually be done for a fraction of the cost of a new model. If you live on Long Island or in New York City and need your refrigerator fixed, call the experts at Speedy Subzero at 866-782-9376.

Refrigerator Maintenance Checklist

Nowadays, brand new refrigerators have an average lifespan of 12-15 years. However, this number can be severely shortened if you fail to take proper care of it. Refrigerators are one of the only appliances that run around-the-clock, which is why a preventative maintenance routine is so important.

Keep your refrigerator running for years to come by following this simple refrigerator maintenance checklist:

Every month – Clean the interior.

Cleaning your refrigerator every month will keep it looking and smelling like new. Every four to five weeks, empty your fridge of all its contents, wash the removable shelves and drawers, and wipe the interior clean to prevent unpleasant odors and mold. Throw away any food which has expired and restock.

Every two months – Clean, lubricate, and test door gasket.

The gasket is the rubber seal that runs around the perimeter of your refrigerator door. Every other month, you should wipe it with a nonabrasive sponge and mild dish detergent to keep it clean and mold-free. Applying a thin layer of Vaseline on it will prevent it from drying out and cracking, which can cause your refrigerator to lose cold air even when the door is closed.

Every six months – Vacuum the condenser coils.

The condenser coils are located on the back of your refrigerator. Over time they can become coated with dust and hair, which interferes with their ability to release heat. Clean these twice per year using the brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner.

Every year – Have your refrigerator serviced.

There are some things that should be left to the pros – and tuning up your refrigerator is definitely one of those things. During an annual servicing, a trained technician should lubricate your compressor, test your freon levels, and inspect individual components for signs of potential future breakdowns.

Here are some other useful tips to keep in mind on a day-to-day basis:

• Keep your refrigerator well-stocked, this will help it retain its temperature when the door is opened.
• Minimizing the number of times you open your refrigerator door will reduce wear-and-tear on your compressor and save you electricity.
• Proper ventilation is key for long-term health, make sure your refrigerator has at least six inches of space on all sides between walls, cabinets, etc.

Do you live in New York and need your refrigerator serviced or repaired? The refrigeration experts at Speedy Subzero have been fixing refrigerators, freezers, and wine coolers across Long Island and New York City for over 75 years. Call us now to schedule your same day appointment at 866-782-9376.

Why You Should NOT Have a Second Refrigerator

You get home from your weekly trip to the grocery store, and as you're unloading your groceries, you realize that you've run out of room in the refrigerator. So what do you do? You collect all the beer, walk down to the basement, and put it in your second fridge to make room. After all, that's what your second refrigerator is for, isn't it?

If this scene, or something similar, sounds familiar to you, you should reconsider your choices according to the Washington Post. In a recent article, they recommend not having a second refrigerator in your home, and they go into great detail discussing why.

You can read the full article here, but here are some of the highlights that they point out:

• Having a second refrigerator adds to your total household energy consumption, which is bad for the environment.

• Second refrigerators tend to be old. In fact, almost 15% of homes have a second refrigerator that is at least 20 years old. These old, inefficient models are major energy hogs.

• Refrigerators manufactured today can save you over $200 per year in operating costs when compared to ones manufactured in 1978.

• Most second refrigerators are placed in the basement or the garage, where they will have to battle the elements to keep cold. This can be particularly troubling during the summer, where the compressor will be forced to work almost nonstop.

• By turning your old refrigerator into your second fridge, you are nullifying the energy savings gained by buying a more energy-efficient model. By running both refrigerators, you are actually increasing your carbon footprint, not reducing it.

Is your current refrigerator leaking, making loud noises, or failing to keep a consistently cold temperature? Before giving up on it, call the refrigeration experts at Speedy Subzero. Residents across Long Island and New York City have trusted us for over 75 years to repair their refrigerators, freezers, ice makers, and wine coolers. Call us to schedule a same-day appointment at 866-782-9376.

Where You Should Put Your Refrigerator

If you looked at the title of this article and said to yourself, “in the kitchen, duh,” then you are mostly correct – however, there is a little bit more to it than that. While your refrigerator will serve its purpose just about anywhere you put it in the kitchen, there are some ways to maximize its efficiency; more specifically its energy-efficiency.

Did you know that the refrigerator can account for 10% of your monthly electric bill? There are several ways you can reduce this number, such as opening the door less or vacuuming your condenser coils, but the location of the appliance can also play a large role.

If you are redesigning your kitchen, or simply have some free space to work with, follow these tips to place your refrigerator in the most energy-efficient spot possible:

• Place your refrigerator against an exterior wall. Unless you live in a climate where it is hot year-round. The reason for this is that exterior walls tend to be cooler than interior walls because they are exposed to the outdoor temperature.

• Keep your refrigerator away from your stove. Your refrigerator should always be as far away from heat-generating appliances (mainly your stove) as possible. When you are cooking something in the oven, the radiant heat can affect your refrigerator and make it work harder to keep cool.

• Keep your refrigerator out of direct sunlight. You should keep your refrigerator out of direct sunlight for the same reason you keep it away from the stove. If the refrigerator is absorbing the sun's rays all day long, it will begin to warm up, causing the compressor to work harder to maintain your desired temperature.

Following these tips will help keep your refrigerator colder while using less energy. If you are still experiencing inconsistent or high temperatures in your fridge, there may be a mechanical issue. If you live in Long Island or New York City, call Speedy Subzero Repair at 866-782-9376. We guarantee one-hour service to Nassau and Suffolk counties and can fix any make or model of refrigerator.

Refrigerator Storage Time Chart

At Speedy Subzero, we take safety very seriously – especially in the kitchen. While you may think that the biggest hazards come in the form of hot pans and sharp knives, the real danger lies within the food that you eat.

Foodborne illness is a real thing, and it's more prevalent than you would think. According to the Center for Disease Control:

• 48 million Americans get sick from the food they eat.
• 128,000 of them are hospitalized.
• 3,000 people die of foodborne diseases.

These numbers are yearly averages!

One of the biggest reasons that this many people get sick from their food every year is because they unknowingly eat food which has expired. Not everyone is aware of how long certain foods last, which is why Thrillist has created this chart. Take a look to see how long different foods last when stored in the pantry, refrigerator, and freezer.

To learn how long fruits and vegetables last, click here to check out Thrillist's website!

All of these storage times are under the assumption that your refrigerator is at a safe operating temperature: between 34-39° F. If your refrigerator is warmer than 40°, your food may only last a couple of hours. If your refrigerator is failing to keep a cold temperature, give the refrigeration experts at Speedy Subzero a call! We offer one-hour service to Long Island and New York, so call us today at 1-866-782-9376.

Homemade Cleaner for Your Refrigerator

Keeping your refrigerator clean and organized doesn't have to take a long time, and you don't need any fancy products to do it. In fact, many commercial cleaners contain non-FDA-approved chemicals which are harmful to the health of you and your family – even the ones that say “all natural”!

If you are looking for a quick, easy, and organic way to keep your refrigerator neat and free from odors and bacteria, just follow these steps:

1. Mix the following in a spray bottle:

• 2 cups hot water
• 1 cup white vinegar
• 10 drops of your favorite essential oil

2. Turn the refrigerator off, or turn the temperature all the way up. This will help you save energy during the process.

3. Take out everything from the inside of the refrigerator. This includes your food and drinks as well as any removable shelves and drawers.

4. Clean the shelves and drawers with dish soap and warm water under the sink. Lay out to dry.

5. Using the homemade spray, clean the interior of your refrigerator with a sponge or a cloth until all visible stains and mildew are gone. Don't forget the back wall, ceiling, and inside of the door.

6. Dry the inside of your refrigerator with a clean towel. Dry and replace the shelves and drawers. Turn the temperature back down or plug the refrigerator in.

7. Filter through your food, throwing away that which has expired. Now, organize it and restock your fridge following these guidelines.

In the time it took you to watch half of your favorite television show, you have successfully cleaned and organized your refrigerator! If you are cleaning your unit and notice it is making loud noises, leaking, or malfunctioning in any other way, give the experts at Speedy Subzero a call at 866-782-9376. We serve all of Long Island and New York City and can repair your fridge on the day you call, regardless of the make or model!