5 Easy DIY Steps For Refrigerator Maintenance
Keeping your refrigerator in good condition is important. Refrigerator maintenance is simple and can be done by any homeowner.
One home appliance that many people often take for granted is their refrigerator. After all, it’s kind of just there. But, can you picture how frustrating it would be if your refrigerator just stopped working all of a sudden?
Many people end up losing all of their food when this happens. This is not something I want to happen to you.
That’s why keeping your refrigerator in good condition is important. It can help increase the lifespan and reduce potential repair costs.
Thankfully, refrigerator maintenance is quite simple and can be done by any homeowner. In this article, we’ll cover some basic refrigerator maintenance tips as well as what to do if your refrigerator starts to have problems.
5 Tips For Regular Maintenance Of Your Refrigerator
- Check The Seal
One of the most important parts of your refrigerator is the seal that goes around the fridge door and freezer door. This part helps your refrigerator maintain proper temperature levels and energy efficiency.
If your seal becomes damaged in any way, it can end up causing air leaks which can lead to spoiled food, wasted energy, and unnecessary wear and tear on the appliance.
I recommend checking the seal whenever you do a thorough refrigerator clean or the full refrigerator maintenance checklist provided in this article.
If you find that your seal is damaged, cracked, or just worn out, it’s important to replace it right away. You can buy a new seal from your refrigerator’s manufacturer or a home improvement store. Then, simply follow the instructions for installation.
- Clean The Coils
The refrigerator coils are located at the back of your refrigerator and they serve a very important function in the overall operation of your fridge. They help cool down the fridge and freezer by drawing air in from the outside and bringing it into the appliance.
For the coils to work as efficiently as possible, they need to be clean. But since they are at the back of the refrigerator, it is easy for them to accumulate dust and dirt over time.
So, make sure you are regularly pulling out your fridge to clean the coils. You can do this using a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment. Carefully run the brush over the coils and then use the vacuum to suck up any dust or dirt.
- Ensure Proper Airflow Inside The Fridge & Freezer
It is always important to ensure there is proper airflow throughout the fridge and freezer. A lack of proper airflow can prevent the refrigerator from cooling properly and lead to spoiled food, which is something no one wants.
So, whenever you add more food to the fridge, make sure that no obstacles are blocking the vents or grates.
And if you notice your refrigerator running more than usual, check to make sure there is proper airflow throughout the fridge and freezer.
- Ensure Proper Airflow Around The Unit
For a refrigerator to work properly, it also needs to have adequate airflow all around it. If it is pushed up against a wall, the kitchen cabinets, or another appliance, it won’t be able to cool properly and can result in the fridge overheating, something that is very damaging to the components of the fridge.
It is recommended that you leave at least a few inches of space around all sides of the refrigerator.
If your refrigerator doesn’t fit in the space, consider getting a smaller one instead.
- Defrost As Needed
It is normal for your freezer to build up ice over time. But leaving the ice there can impact the efficiency of the refrigerator and cause damage to the components. To avoid this from happening, it is recommended that you defrost your refrigerator as needed.
You will know it’s time to do this when there are large blocks of ice forming on the walls of your freezer.
Most modern refrigerators come with a defrost cycle. To use this cycle, simply remove all the food from your fridge and freezer and turn it on. You will likely need to leave this for a few hours until all of the ice has melted.
If your refrigerator doesn’t have a defrost cycle, then you will need to do this manually. Simply remove all the food, then turn off the refrigerator and leave all of the doors open. Once all the ice has melted, make sure to wipe down any excess water and clean out the refrigerator before turning it back on.
How do I stop my refrigerator from running constantly?
Unfortunately, there are a few different reasons your refrigerator can be running constantly. It could be something as simple as an overload of food in the refrigerator or something more complex such as a thermostat issue.
It is recommended that you eliminate the easy-to-diagnose problems first. To do this, go through the refrigerator maintenance checklist.
- Is the seal in good condition?
- Are the coils clean?
- Is there proper airflow inside? (Is there too much food inside?)
- Is there proper airflow outside?
- Does the freezer have a large build-up of frost?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, follow the steps outlined in this article to see if that fixes the problem.
You can also check to make sure the temperature is set correctly. Your refrigerator should be set to between 37 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
If your fridge continues to run constantly after doing these things, it could be an indication that something more serious is wrong and it should be looked at by a refrigerator repair expert.
How much does it cost to repair a refrigerator?
The cost of refrigerator repair can vary depending on the type of refrigerator and the issue. In general, repairs for a refrigerator will range from as low as $200 to well over $1000.
If you are looking for an estimate for refrigerator repair, it is best to contact a refrigerator repair expert in your area. They should be able to provide you with a more accurate estimate.
How much does it cost to replace a refrigerator?
At a certain point, you might decide that repairing your old refrigerator just isn’t worth it and you’d rather get a new one. But how much do they cost?
Since there are many different models and sizes of refrigerators, the cost can vary greatly. For example, a basic refrigerator can cost as little as $500 while a high-end refrigerator can cost more than $4,000. So, it all boils down to what type of refrigerator you want to buy.
If your old refrigerator is not running properly, I recommend getting a quote to find out how much it will cost to repair as well as how much it will cost for you to replace it. Then you can decide if repair or replacement is better for you.
Are refrigerator repairs covered under a home warranty?
Luckily, some refrigerator repairs are covered under a home warranty. This can save you a lot of money if your refrigerator suddenly stops working.
Some of the refrigerator repairs included in a HomeMembership warranty are the fan motor, evaporator, condenser, main control board, and more. Get a full list of refrigerator repairs that are covered under a home warranty.
To keep your refrigerator running smoothly and efficiently, make sure you are doing this DIY refrigerator maintenance checklist as often as possible. This will help increase the lifespan of your refrigerator and avoid costly repair bills.
And if you don’t yet have a home warranty but want to learn more about what else it covers, go here for a full list in your local area. In addition to refrigerator repairs, a home warranty can help you with dishwasher repairs, washing machine repairs, HVAC repairs, and more.
If it’s time for a new refrigerator, check out this list of the top 7 you should consider when shopping. .
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