7 Effective Ways to Prolong Your Fridge’s Lifespan

As homeowners in Ontario, we rely heavily on our fridges to store perishable food and keep it fresh. With the constant demands of everyday use, refrigerators are one of the most hardworking appliances in any household. However, like any other appliance, fridges also require regular care and attention to ensure they perform optimally and last longer. The good news is that with the right maintenance habits, you can extend your fridge’s lifespan and avoid costly repairs or replacements.

In this blog, we’ll explore seven practical tips to help you prolong your fridge’s lifespan and keep it running smoothly for years to come.

1. Maintain the Right Temperature

The temperature inside your fridge and freezer plays a significant role in how efficiently it operates. Keeping the fridge too cold wastes energy, while a temperature that’s too warm can lead to spoiled food and strain the appliance.

Recommended Temperature Settings:

• Fridge: The ideal temperature range for your refrigerator is between 3°C (37°F) and 5°C (41°F).
• Freezer: Your freezer should be kept at -18°C (0°F) or lower to ensure food stays properly frozen.

By maintaining these temperatures, your fridge can run efficiently and keep your food safe, reducing wear and tear on the appliance.

2. Clean the Condenser Coils Regularly

Condenser coils, typically located at the back or bottom of your fridge, are responsible for releasing the heat your fridge absorbs. Over time, these coils accumulate dust, dirt, and debris, which can restrict airflow and cause the fridge to overheat. When this happens, the compressor has to work harder to cool the appliance, which can shorten its lifespan.

How to clean the coils:

• Unplug the fridge.
• Use a coil cleaning brush or a vacuum to gently remove the dust and debris.
• Clean the coils every 6 months, or more frequently if you have pets that shed hair.

3. Check and Replace Door Seals

The door seals, also known as gaskets, are crucial in keeping cold air inside the fridge and preventing warm air from entering. If the door seals are damaged or worn out, your fridge will need to work harder to maintain its temperature, which can increase energy consumption and reduce the lifespan of the appliance.

How to check the seals:

• Close the door on a piece of paper or a dollar bill.
• Try to pull it out. If it slides easily, the seal may be loose or damaged.
• Replace faulty door seals immediately to prevent energy loss and maintain efficient cooling.

4. Avoid Overloading Your Fridge

Overloading your fridge can obstruct airflow, which makes it harder for the appliance to cool your food evenly. Additionally, the excessive weight can strain the compressor and other internal components, reducing the fridge’s efficiency.

Pro Tip:

• Leave enough space around the items in your fridge to ensure that air circulates freely.
• Avoid cramming too much food in the fridge, especially warm items. This can cause the fridge to overwork in an attempt to cool everything down.

5. Defrost Your Freezer Regularly

If your freezer is not self-defrosting, ice buildup can occur over time. This can restrict airflow and make the freezer work harder to keep your food frozen, ultimately reducing its efficiency. Defrosting your freezer regularly is an essential maintenance step to ensure that it operates efficiently and extends the life of the appliance.

How to defrost the freezer:

• Unplug the fridge and freezer.
• Remove all food and place it in a cooler temporarily.
• Allow the ice to melt naturally or use a hairdryer on a low setting to speed up the process.
• Clean the inside of the freezer before plugging it back in.

6. Keep Your Fridge Level

A fridge that’s not level can cause the doors to misalign, preventing them from sealing properly. This not only affects the fridge’s energy efficiency but also can lead to the failure of internal components. To ensure that your fridge runs optimally, it’s essential to keep it level.

How to check if your fridge is level:

• Use a spirit level to check both sides of the fridge.
• Adjust the legs or use shim pads to ensure the fridge is perfectly level.

7. Regularly Check for Leaks and Strange Noises

Your fridge should operate quietly and efficiently. If you notice any unusual sounds, such as humming, clicking, or buzzing, it could be a sign of a malfunctioning component. Similarly, if you notice any leaks around the fridge, it’s important to address the issue immediately.

What to do:

• If you hear strange noises, call a professional technician to inspect the fridge.
• Check for leaks in and around the appliance, especially near the water filter or ice maker. Fixing leaks promptly will help avoid further damage.

Conclusion

A fridge is an essential part of every household, and with proper maintenance, you can prolong your fridge’s lifespan and ensure it runs smoothly for years. By following these seven tips to prolong your fridge’s lifespan, cleaning condenser coils, checking door seals, avoiding overloading, defrosting your freezer, keeping your fridge level, and addressing leaks or strange noises—you can keep your fridge in excellent condition and prevent costly repairs.

Remember, regular maintenance not only helps extend the life of your appliance but also ensures that your fridge operates efficiently, saving you money on energy bills. If you ever need professional assistance or repairs, don’t hesitate to contact JK Appliances for expert appliance services across Ontario.

FAQs:

1. How often should I clean the condenser coils on my fridge?
It’s recommended to clean the condenser coils at least once every six months, or more frequently if you have pets.

2. Why is my fridge making strange noises?
Strange noises could indicate issues with the compressor, fan, or condenser coils. It’s best to have a technician inspect the fridge to identify the problem.

3. How do I know if my fridge is properly leveled?
Use a spirit level to check both sides of your fridge. If it’s uneven, adjust the fridge legs or use shim pads to level it.

4. Can I repair a broken door seal myself?
If the seal is damaged or loose, you can replace it yourself. Simply purchase a replacement from a hardware store and follow the instructions provided with the seal.

5. How do I prevent ice buildup in my freezer?
If your freezer is not self-defrosting, ensure that you defrost it regularly to prevent ice buildup. This helps maintain optimal airflow and efficiency.nsors and notifications to alert you of temperature changes, helping maintain ideal conditions.