A refrigerator is one of the most needed daily household appliances. This means that it should be maintained properly so that the appliance does not malfunction. From checking the door seals to regulating the temperature, a few factors have to be kept in mind.
The importance of a refrigerator cannot be emphasized enough. From keeping perishable food items fresh to quick ice formation, the daily uses of a refrigerator are endless. But if this appliance starts malfunctioning, you are likely to find yourself at a loss! This brings us to the topic of fridge maintenance. Inspections at regular intervals are essential because they help to lower energy bills, along with extending its lifespan.
Regular maintenance leads to higher efficiency, lower breakdown, and better food safety. This blog discusses the top maintenance tips to ensure the smooth running of refrigerators.
Knowing How to Keep the Fridge Functioning
To ensure optimal performance of a refrigerator, you need to maintain it properly. Hence, you need to prioritise refrigerator repair and services. Here are the top 6 tips that homeowners must consider:
1. Cleaning the Interior Surface at Regular Intervals
When using daily, food stains, grime, and spills accumulate inside the fridge. A foul smell comes from the interior of a refrigerator if it is dirty. Also, there is a chance of bacteria building up.
While cleaning the insides of a fridge, you need to use a mild detergent and warm water. Use a soft towel in this case. Baking soda is preferable to combat hard stains. You need to clean all the shelves and drawers.
2. Checking the Door Seals
A refrigerator is used multiple times in a day. This increases the chance that the door’s gasket gets warped or cracked. Hence, you need to check seals regularly. Use water and a mild soap to clean the seals.
What is the best way to check door seals? Place a coin between the door and the compartment so that half of it stays inside, whereas the other half is visible to you. If it slips out easily, then the gasket is sealing poorly. Cool air will escape from the refrigerator if there is a malfunctioning seal, which leads to higher energy bills. Here are the main signs of a faulty door seal:
| Signs | What it indicates |
| The door is not staying shut | The door seal is worn out |
| Condensation on the gasket | Improper insulation |
| Quick food spoilage | Leaking of hot air into the fridge |
Table 1: Common signs of poor door sealing
If you are facing any of the above-mentioned problems, it is time that you avail of professional service. And if you own a refrigerator from the brand of Whirlpool, opt for Whirlpool refrigerator repair service.
3. Daily Cleaning of the Condenser Coils
Cleaning the condenser coils is the most challenging task of fridge maintenance. This component is responsible for releasing heat during the refrigeration process. However, hair and dirt can cover up these coils over time. This acts as a hindrance to the proper release of heat, which reduces cooling.
Do you have a pet in your home? If yes, there is a high chance of accumulation of pet hair and which results in the malfunctioning of the condenser coils. Dirty coils account for energy wastage, which makes you pay higher. Condenser coils are to be cleaned as stated in the user manual, and it is mainly an expert task.
4. Keeping the Fridge at the Right Temperature
To ensure efficient cooling in a fridge, the temperature setting makes a vital contribution. Refrigerators have specific ways to set the temperature. This is to be considered while maintaining the equipment properly.
The temperature of the refrigerator can be set at 4°C. Meanwhile, an ideal temperature for the freezer is -18°C. A thermometer can be used to double-check built-in settings. If you are unable to understand the right temperature, you can rely on refrigerator repair and services.
5. Avoiding Overstuffing and Underfilling
Air circulation is a significant aspect of keeping a refrigerator in a working condition. To ensure it, you must refrain from overstuffing or underfilling.
The vents in the fridge can be blocked if it is overstuffed. Meanwhile, the equipment needs to work harder to fill the empty spaces if it is underfilled. This indicates the need for effective management of space inside the fridge.
6. Defrosting the Refrigerator
The accumulation of ice in the freezer compartment is a common phenomenon. This is mainly seen in single-door refrigerators. Well, this issue can cause the appliance to be inefficient. Also, certain components can get damaged. This creates the immediate urgency for repair. While calling for professional services is imperative, you might have to be a little more specific if you own a refrigerator from the brand of Whirlpool, and hence get Whirlpool refrigerator repair.
Modern refrigerators possess an auto-defrost feature, but it is absent in the manual ones. This ensures the need for defrosting the equipment when needed. There is a need for a mandatory defrosting if ice gets thicker than ¼ inch.
What Is an Ideal Fridge Maintenance Schedule?
If you want your refrigerator to run smoothly, you need to maintain it properly. Some components are to be maintained monthly, whereas some of them are to be maintained seasonally. Let’s check out an ideal fridge maintenance schedule.
| Task | Frequency |
| Cleaning the interior surface | Monthly |
| Checking the door seals | Monthly |
| Cleaning the condenser coils | Twice a year |
| Temperature checking | Quarterly |
| Defrosting (if applicable) | When needed |
| Deep cleaning | Seasonally |
Table 2: Fridge maintenance schedule
To Conclude
A smooth running of refrigerators ensures the freshness of food items, along with effective cooling. Some of the major tips for the right maintenance are cleaning the interior surface, checking the door seals, setting the right temperature, etc. Proper maintenance leads to an extended lifespan of the equipment.
Ensuring the Right Maintenance of the Refrigerator to Enhance Its Lifespan
Rely on a professional refrigeration repair service for effective maintenance of the equipment. This keeps your fridge in an optimal condition while making you avoid costly repairs.
