7 Simple Ways to Prevent Your Refrigerator From Going to an Early Grave

A recent study showed that the average refrigerator has a lifespan of 14 years. However, that number can be much lower if it is not looked after properly. Luckily, there are several simple things that you can do in order to prolong the life of your refrigerator and get the most out of it. This article takes a look at seven simple ways that you can prevent your refrigerator from going to an early grave.

Defrosting

Many of the latest models of refrigerators will automatically defrost when they need to. If yours does not have an automatic defrost function then you will need to do it manually. Defrost your refrigerator after the ice builds up to more than 1/4 of an inch. Make sure that you follow the instructions that come with the manual.

Coils

Try and check the refrigerator coils on a regular basis. Things like pet fur and dust can accumulate around the coils and eventually cause them to burn out the refrigerator compressor. You can prevent this from happening by vacuuming them on a regular basis.

Water Filter

Another thing to check is the water filter in your fridge. Many modern refrigerators will have a light that comes on when the filter needs to be replaced. Failure to replace the filter will result in impure water, so always keep an eye out for when it needs replacing.

Check the Seals

Inspect the seals around your refrigerator door. Are they in good condition? Do they allow the fridge to fully close? If the seals are damaged then this could lead to cool air escaping from the fridge which will make the refrigerator much less efficient, plus it will also cost you extra on your energy bills.

Check Levels

Make sure that you refrigerator has been levelled correctly. A sloping refrigerator may mean that the doors no longer close properly which can result in loss of cool air an increased energy consumption.

Temperature

Check the temperature of your refrigerator. The ideal temperature is between 37F and 39F. Any colder than those ranges and you could be using unnecessary energy, while any warmer could mean the growth of bacteria on food items in the fridge. Most fridges will have an automatic temperature setting.

Maintenance

It is worth getting your refrigerator inspected by a professional on an annual basis. They will have the tools and the expertise to be able to spot any small problems early on, which could save you plenty of time and money in the long run.

If you spot any issues with your refrigerator then you should call in an expert as soon as possible. They will be able to come and identify the problem and provide you with a solution. What may start as something small could turn into a big and expensive problem overnight – so it is always worth calling in professional help. Always choose a trusted and reputable electrical repair team so that you know you will be receiving a high quality service. Good luck.