Refrigerator Tips & Repairs
Bottom mount freezers, top mount freezers and side by side
Refrigerator condenser coils need to be cleaned from time to time, otherwise, they have to work a lot harder to keep the refrigerator cool. Eventually, they won't be able to cool the refrigerator anymore. Knowing how often the condensers need to be cooled will depend a lot on the quality, age and amount of use you put your fridge through.
If it isn't cleaned regularly, the condenser on your fridge can overwork the compressor and may wear out and shorten the lifespan of your entire unit. To clean the condenser yourself, you'll need to find where it is located. Older units have the condenser on the back while recent units usually hide the condenser at the bottom, in the front, or behind the trim (kick plate). Now, the trend is again moving to the backside of refrigerators again.
Did you know that the temperature of your house can have an effect on your refrigerator condenser? Not only that, if you have indoor cats or dogs their fur can build up on the condenser coils, and they'll need to be cleaned more often. If you live in a dusty area, the dust can coat the coils, too, causing the same damage and needing the same care. This is also the case if your refrigerator is near your clothes dryer or the laundry room, the coils can get covered with lint which of the 3 will have the worst effect on your coils, as the coat and insulate more quickly and completely.
As you're cleaning, your coils and compressor be sure to clean any other components that are also dirty, it's best to avoid build-up. If you're not comfortable doing it yourself, schedule an appointment for us to come and perform regular maintenance for you.
How do I replace my refrigerator filter for water and ice dispensers?
Most recent refrigerators have their own built-in water filters, so they can purify their water and ice dispensers. No filters last forever, your refrigerator filters will need to be replaced regularly, or the filter will start to break-down and the contaminants and filtration particles seep into the water and ice which become hazardous to your health!
What temperature should I set my drawers to, to keep food fresh?
Drawers and compartments meant to keep food fresh should be set between 36-41 degrees Fahrenheit (3-5 degrees Celsius).
5 Tips to Extend Your Refrigerators Lifespan
- Do not trust extension cords, especially with power splitters with your refrigerator. Only plug your refrigerator directly into a wall outlet, extension cords are usually not a good idea, but if you have to use one for a short time, make sure it's a heavy-duty extension cord, rated for the high amperage you will be using. It is also important to ensure that your appliance is "grounded", the 3rd and round prong on your plug is the ground. Whether plugging into the wall or an extension cord, this must be plugged into an outlet that can take it. There will be other things to take into consideration outlined in your owners manual.
- Keep your refrigerator away from heat sources, don't install it next to ovens, stoves, ranges, and radiators. Even windows in direct sunlight can affect the efficiency of your fridge. Don't block the airflow going to your refrigerator's compressor, it should not be restricted or heated. Setting a refrigerator on top of carpeting can do both, the refrigerator may also pull dirt, dust, and fibers into the coils and condenser if they are located at the bottom of the unit. The air going to the condenser coil is supposed to be cool and clean, otherwise, the refrigerator will have a hard time cooling itself.
- If you have to leave your home for an extended period of time (weeks-months) we recommend that you:
- Empty the unit
- Clean the unit
- Turn off the unit
- Unplug the unit
- Leave the door slightly ajar, or propped slightly open
- Be careful not to overfill your refrigerator or freezer. Air circulation is important in your unit to keep everything at a constant temperature. A lack of circulation can cause spoilage in refrigerators and in freezers, causing freezing in refrigerators or freezer-burn in freezers, while other parts of the unit thaw, causing spoilage. This can happen in both refrigerators and freezers.
- Keep all of your food covered or wrapped while in the fridge to prevent the food drying out, spoiling and spreading odor through the fridge.
Refrigerator Tips & Repairs
- Keep your refrigerator and freezer clean inside and out. The best way to clean your unit is to periodically remove all of the food, drawers, and shelves. A mild detergent, or baking soda mixed with water, to wash the inside walls, door, and floor. Wash or scrub the interior with a soft cloth and the cleaning solution, then wipe it out with a damp cloth, to remove the residue. The drawers and shelves can be cleaned the same way, in the sink or in a tub. Be careful with glass shelves, if they are placed in hot water while cold, they could crack.
- Clean your condenser coils regularly. Your refrigerator's coils are usually located at the bottom or on the rear of your unit. Clean your coils gently, there are specially designed brushes for removing any built-up dust or debris. If you leave the dust on the coils it can cause your unit to overheat.
- Make sure your door gaskets are sealing correctly, they ensure that the door stays airtight while closed. Gaskets need to be cleaned regularly, or debris can build up and gaps can let cold air escape, your unit will have to work harder to maintain the proper temperature. Like the interior of your refrigerator, the gaskets can be cleaned with a mild detergent and cloth, then rinsed with a damp cloth.
- Keep the area around your refrigerator clear of debris. Make sure there is nothing blocking or preventing proper airflow to your unit's condenser coils.
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