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.

5 Things to Know About Your Refrigerator

Your refrigerator sits in your kitchen and quietly works around-the-clock to help keep your food cold and fresh, but how often do you think about it when you aren't using it? Here are five things to keep in mind about your home's most important appliance.

1. It is your only appliance that runs 24/7.

Your home has many appliances – stoves, dishwashers, microwaves, washing machines, and clothes dryers to name a few; but none of them work harder than your refrigerator. The refrigerator is the only appliance in your house that runs around the clock, working to keep your food fresh and your drinks cold and refreshing.

2. Like your car, it needs some basic maintenance.

Because your refrigerator never gets a break, it is important that you do some routine maintenance work in order to keep it running efficiently for a long time. The average lifespan of a refrigerator is about 10-15 years, but many won't last this long due to poor maintenance. Some things you can do to extend your fridge's lifespan include vacuuming the condenser coils every six months and periodically examining the gasket for air leaks.

3. There is such a thing as “too much”.

You may have heard that keeping your refrigerator full will help your food last longer because it better retains its temperature when the door is opened. This is true – to an extent. However, there is a such think as overstocking your refrigerator, which hinders air circulation and leads to warm spots. To achieve optimal food freshness, keep your refrigerator full, but not stuffed.

4. It is a bacteria hotspot.

If you regularly buy raw meat and fresh produce, your refrigerator is constantly exposed to an enormous amount of germs and bacteria. To help prevent cross-contamination, keep all uncooked meat, fish and poultry on the bottom shelf – this will prevent it from dripping onto and infecting foods below it. You should also clean your refrigerator every 1-2 months using this method.

5. Some spots are colder than others.

While you may think your refrigerator is one big, consistent box of coldness, this is actually not true. Certain spots in your refrigerator tend to be colder than others. Since warm air rises, keep foods resistant to spoiling (such as ready-to-eat foods, juices, and soda) on the top shelves and sensitive foods such as raw meats and dairy towards the bottom. The door is the warmest area of the refrigerator, so avoid storing your milk here.

If your refrigerator ever breaks down, you might be able to repair it for a fraction of the cost of a new model. Speedy Subzero has provided fast, reliable refrigerator repairs to New York residents for more than 75 years. We provide emergency support on nights and weekends and offer one-hour service to Long Island, Queens, Brooklyn, and the Bronx. To schedule an in-home repair, call us today at 866-782-9376.

How To Clean Refrigerator Condenser Coils

Refrigerators are the hardest working appliance in our kitchens and might be the most neglected as well. Because they run 24/7, there are some basic maintenance procedures that should be followed in order to help them run efficiently and extend their lifespan. One of these often overlooked procedures is cleaning the condenser coils. To quickly clean yours in 5 steps, follow these instructions:

1. Turn off the refrigerator and slide it away from the wall.
2. Locate the condenser coils. On most refrigerators, they are located on the back of the unit, but some newer models now keep them behind the toe panel at the bottom.
3. Brush the coils to loosen up the dust and dirt. Manufacturers sell specializes brushes for this, but you can use a small paint brush, pipe cleaner, or even an old toothbrush.
4. Vacuum the coils. To completely clean these coils, you should vacuum them using your cleaner's brush attachment. While doing this, be careful not to damage the fins or coil, as they are not cheap nor easy to repair.
5. Plug the refrigerator into the wall and slide it back into its starting position.

That's all it takes to thoroughly clean your refrigerator's coils. Even though it is quick and easy, it is still extremely important you do it once every six months for the life of your appliance.

If you live in Long Island and are in need of refrigerator repair services, call Speedy Subzero at 866-782-9376. Visit our website for more information or like our page on Facebook.

Consequences of Poor Fridge Maintenance

We have previously talked about how to keep your refrigerator looking and running like new, but not everybody will follow these steps. Just like with a car, failing to properly maintain your kitchen appliances will catch up with you sooner or later. A poor maintenance routine for your refrigerator will have short-term and long-term consequences.

Short-Term Problems

Not properly taking care of your refrigerator will be noticed immediately, most notably in your electric bill. Neglecting simple tasks, such as cleaning the condenser coils, can really hurt your appliance's energy-efficiency. Failure to periodically inspect the door gasket is another way for your refrigerator's energy consumption to skyrocket. A faulty seal will result in cold air escaping, which your refrigerator must replace by working harder and using more electricity. Over time, this increase in energy can add begin to add up.

Long-Term Problems

A poor refrigerator maintenance routine will eventually cost you more than a higher utility bill. It places a heavier workload on your refrigerator's compressor, and the wear and tear adds up. Over the course of several years, this added work will catch up to your appliance in the form of malfunctions and defects. If you are not regularly examining the different parts of your refrigerator, you will not see the warning signs that a breakdown is on the horizon. Even the most simple of refrigerator repairs can be expensive, and if your unit is broken beyond saving, buying a new one will set you back several hundreds of dollars.

Getting into a regular maintenance routine for your refrigerator is a great way to prevent future problems, but still nothing is 100% effective. If your refrigerator needs to be repaired and you live in the Long Island area, call Speedy Subzero. We have over 75 years of experience and offer one-hour service. Visit our website for more information or connect with us on Facebook or Twitter.

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.