It doesn’t matter what weather you have, your refrigerator needs to remain cool. Your food will stay safe and fresh no matter where it is. To keep your refrigerator working efficiently, it is essential that you take good care of it.
This will not only keep your food fresh, but it will also help save money on your electricity bills.
Check Your Temperature
A refrigerator should be at 33 to 40 degrees F and the freezer at 0 degrees F. You might think the refrigerator will last longer if it is set at the coldest setting. Keep your food at 40 degrees or higher.
The compressor’s life expectancy will decrease if the temperature rises. This can not just increase your electricity bill but also can reduce the compressor’s lifespan.
Did you also know that the back of the refrigerator is the coldest and bottom?
The back, as that’s what the cooling element is located. The bottom because that’s where warm-air rises.
When you notice that any food item has turned frosty or is becoming difficult to eat, it’s best to move it from the back of your fridge.
The Condenser coil should be checked at least once a year
The condenser coil of the refrigerator releases heat. This makes the compressor last longer. Dust and dirt that get caught in the condenser coils can cause overheating and prevent heat from flowing out of the coils. This heat increases the temperature of the refrigerator, which reduces its cooling. The coils should be cleaned more frequently if you have shed pets.
If your refrigerator isn’t cooling properly, consult an expert.
Avoid placing the refrigerator too close on the wall
It doesn’t matter if your fridge is in the kitchen or in the dining space. Make sure that it is placed within an inch of the wall so that air can circulate behind.
This helps disperse heat generated by your fridge, and ensures that it runs efficiently. The performance and lifespan of your fridge can be affected by having too much space.
Always keep food covered
Sometimes, leftovers are left unattended in the refrigerator. It’s a good idea to keep food in air tight containers. Because if food is left exposed, the moisture in the food gets out into the air and the refrigerator must work harder for food to dry.
One of the most serious mistakes we make is stuffing our fridge more than is necessary.
The fridge will work harder if food blocks airflow. This can cause certain fridge areas to be warmer than others.
The top shelves can hold leftovers and liquids like wine. The higher shelves have the highest temperature. This is important to prevent food items from spoiling. Refrigerate leftovers that are hot.
This can increase the refrigerator’s temperature and make the compressor work harder in cooling it down. Allow your food to cool to room temperatures before you put it in your refrigerator. This will help relieve some of the pressure on the fridge.
Close the Refrigerator Door Properly
You must close the fridge every time you open it to prevent cool air from being thrown away. Open refrigerator doors can cause the compressor to heat up and take longer for cool. It also consumes more electricity.
Replace the Door Gasket if Required
You need to replace the gasket in your refrigerator if it doesn’t close tightly. Although it may seem like a minor thing, the rubber around the refrigerator door frame will help ensure that your fridge is running efficiently.
The gasket on the door can get worn down or dirty over time. Use warm water along with mild soap to gently clean off any dirt from the door seal. If the rubber door sealing is still showing signs of wear or seems to be twisted, you should replace it immediately.
Check The Frost Accumulation
The appliance may not be able to retain cooler temperatures if it isn’t regularly defrosted.
The efficiency of a manual defrost freezer must be maintained by being defrosted when there is at least a quarter-inch ice buildup. This can cause energy loss and increase your monthly expenses.
A frost-free refrigerator, on the contrary, has a heating coil or temperature sensor that prevents frost accumulation. But, frost can accumulate if the fridge is not frostfree.
The ice can make it difficult for your freezers to function efficiently. If you live in a hot, humid environment, it is important to regularly defrost the manual or automatic refrigerator.
