A refrigerator is an expensive appliance, so you’ll want it to last for as long as possible. If you take care of your fridge, it can easily last 20 years. Here are some maintenance tips that can help you extend your fridge’s lifespan.

Clean the Coils

The condenser coils on your fridge are located on the back or underneath your fridge, and they are responsible for ensuring the interior of your fridge remains cool. If you don’t clean the coils, they can collect dirt and debris, which ultimately reduces their efficiency. In addition, if the coils are dirty, they won’t be able to release any heat and will, as a result, overheat. They will also suffer more wear and tear, reducing the lifespan of your refrigerator. About twice a year, unplug your fridge and vacuum the coils.

Temperature Control

Most refrigerators are designed to work efficiently within a specific temperature range. If you set it below or above this temperature range, you may be forcing your fridge to overwork. If you set the temperature too low, you may also cause ice buildup. If you set the temperature too high, the fridge may have trouble keeping your food chilled, which can lead to your food spoiling faster.

Maintain Your Door Seals

Make sure to routinely check the seals on your door. Clean the seals so there isn’t any food or drink residue, and check to see if there are cracks. Sticky leftovers can prevent your fridge from sealing properly, and cracks prevent the fridge from adequately cooling the interior. When the door doesn’t seal correctly, warm air enters your fridge, and cool air escapes from it. This causes the fridge to overwork as it tries to maintain the set temperature. This long-term strain can reduce your refrigerator’s lifespan.

Don’t Block the Air Vents

Your refrigerator’s cooling system can only work efficiently if the air vents aren’t blocked. If you block them, you’re preventing proper air circulation and thus preventing the refrigerator from effectively maintaining the proper temperature. Proper airflow is also essential for maintaining the right humidity levels. When you block the air vents, there may be frost buildup and excess moisture in your fridge.

Defrost Your Fridge Regularly

If your fridge has an automatic defrost feature, make sure that it works. If it doesn’t, you should defrost your fridge regularly to get rid of any ice buildup. Too much ice can force your fridge to overwork, and ice buildup can trap odors and bacteria. By cleaning and defrosting your fridge regularly, you’re putting less strain on its defrost feature.

Our Technicians

Even though you maintain your fridge regularly, it may still break down. If you need refrigerator or freezer repair services in Sterling Heights, MI, contact our team at AJ’s Appliance Repair & HVAC.