Though people have been trying to keep perishable foods cool for hundreds of years, the modern refrigerator is a relatively recent invention. It’s nearly impossible to imagine how people got on without it. Besides being irreplaceable, modern refrigerators are also pricey. With that in mind, it’s important to avoid these mishaps that can shorten a fridge’s working life.

Don’t Overcrowd

Cramming items into the fridge hampers the flow of cold air. The result is places where food shouldn’t be frozen ends up freezing, while other places the food isn’t kept cool enough and spoils. The ideal goal is to keep the refrigerator about three-quarters full.

Store Food the Right Way

Besides simple overcrowding, there’s a right way to store food. Place fruits and vegetables in crisper drawers. If the fridge has a meat bin, store meats in there so that their juices don’t contaminate other foods. If the bin is full, store meat on a plate or shallow bowl even if it’s still in its package. This also keeps any juices from seeping into other foods.

Clean the Condenser Coils

Most refrigerators have condenser coils either on the bottom of the appliance or on the back. It’s important to keep the coils cleaned because they vent the heat. Condenser coils that are clogged with dirt and dust aren’t as efficient and can even cause heat to be trapped inside the fridge. They should be either vacuumed or cleaned with a condenser coil brush now and then.

Set the Right Temperature

The inside of the fridge should be between 35 and 38 degrees Fahrenheit. If the air is too warm, food spoils, and if it’s too cold, food that shouldn’t be frozen freezes. Temperatures that are too low also make the refrigerator work too hard. Use a thermometer made for refrigerators to make sure the interior is at the right temperature.

Close the Door and Keep It Closed

Obviously, keeping the refrigerator door open causes warm air to rush in. This not only lowers the temperature and puts food at risk of spoilage, but it also makes the refrigerator work harder. This leads to higher energy bills, and the refrigerator is one of the most energy-consuming appliances in your home.

Let Food Cool Before Putting It in the Fridge

Putting food that’s still hot from the stove or oven inside the fridge immediately makes the temperature rise. This can compromise other items that need to be kept cold and make the fridge work too hard. Wait until the food has cooled down before putting it in the refrigerator.

Call Us to Learn More About Your Fridge

Basically, mishaps that make your fridge work harder than it should need to be avoided. To learn more about tips for refrigerators and freezers, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the professionals at AJ’s Appliance Repair in Sterling Heights, MI.