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.

How to Get the Most Out of Your Refrigerator

The average lifespan of a brand new refrigerator is roughly 15 years, but only if it is properly taken care of. If you misuse or neglect your refrigerator, you could find yourself back in the appliance store in as little as 8. If you have recently purchased a new fridge, you know that they aren't cheap. Use these five tips to protect your investment and get the most out of your refrigerator.

• Keep it at the right temperature. If you find your food constantly spoiling before the expiration date or your milk keeps freezing, it is likely that you need to adjust your refrigerator's thermostat. It is recommended to keep your fridge between 34-39°F to minimize bacteria growth and maximize the shelf life of your food.  
• Stock smartly. Even if your thermostat is set to the recommended climate, different zones inside of the refrigerator will vary in temperature. For instance, the refrigerator door is usually the warmest area, and the bottom shelf is usually the coldest. Where in the fridge you store your food can impact how long it stays fresh, learn how to properly stock your refrigerator here.

• Clean it regularly. Tidying up your refrigerator every week will help keep it looking, running, and smelling like new. It doesn't have to be a long process; here is how to give your refrigerator a thorough cleaning in 20 minutes or less.

• Avoid keeping the door open. Every time you open your refrigerator door, as much as 50% of the cold air escapes. This number can be even higher when you leave the door open for long periods of time. By minimizing the amount of times you open your refrigerator door and how long you keep it open for, you can reduce the workload on your compressor and extend the lifespan of your appliance.
• Do basic maintenance. Just like your car needs to have its oil changed every 5,000 miles, there are some basic tasks you can do to keep your refrigerator running efficiently. Vacuum the condenser coils on the back of your unit every six months to remove any dust which has built up and periodically test the strength of the door seal. To do this, close your refrigerator door on a dollar bill – if you can easily remove the bill or slide it up and down, it is time to replace your gasket.

If your refrigerator is leaking, making loud noises, or otherwise malfunctioning, you may be able to get it repaired for a fraction of the cost of buying a new one. If you live in New York City, Long Island, Connecticut, or New Jersey, help is just a phone call away with Speedy Subzero. We offer same-day appointments and one-hour service in emergency situations, so give us a call any time at 866-782-9376.

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.

Top 5 Articles of 2014

Here at Speedy Subzero, we spend hours of our time each and every week to write and publish content for you to read and share. Now that the New Year is well underway and the hangovers have subsided, let's take a look at our 5 most popular articles from 2014. Click on any of the article names to be taken to the webpage.

5. 4 Useful Accessories for Your Kitchen

This article features four innovative inventions that get things done. From all-in-one breakfast sandwich makers to pineapple core removers, find out which devices you've never heard of can make your life easier in the kitchen.

4. Fact or Myth? - Refrigerators

This article takes everyone's favorite game – fact or myth? – and puts a spin on it. Read through the statements in this column and see if you can determine which ones are true and which ones are erroneous. Some of the answers may surprise you!

3. How to Keep Your Refrigerator Looking and Running Like New

Maybe the best advice you will ever receive – well, in regards to your refrigerator at least. This post is chock full of tips and tricks to maintaining and cleaning the hardest working appliance in your kitchen; the refrigerator.

2. Things to Consider When Buying a New Refrigerator

This is a must-read article if you are thinking about purchasing a new refrigerator. This short, concise guide lays out some of the fundamental qualities to contemplate during the buying process to ensure you choose the refrigerator that is perfect for you and your family.

1. 4 Cool Features of New Refrigerators

As modern technology continues to advance, more and more luxuries are becoming available to the everyday consumer. Refrigerators are evolving from regular appliances to high-tech multipurpose machines with the addition of features such as touchscreen surfaces and WiFi connectivity. Check out the four coolest features available with new refrigerators in this article. 

Speedy Subzero is a refrigerator repair service located in New York. With one-hour service to Long Island and New York City, we can repair any model of refrigerator, freezer, ice maker, or wine cooler in your home on the same day you call. To schedule an appointment with one of our certified technicians, call 866-782-9376, our lines are open 24/7!

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.