The refrigerator is one of the hardest working appliances in your home, working non-stop to keep food and drink fresh and well preserved. Like dishwashers, fridges can accumulate odours and may require some basic maintenance work from time to time. These are some practical tips to keep your kitchen workhorse well maintained and running efficiently for many years to come.
Gaskets
Although fridge seals or gaskets are designed for heavy day-to-day wear, they should be checked regularly as they play a vital role in sealing your fridge and freezer and keeping them cool.
Check to see that the gaskets are in good condition, and that there are no cracks or damage. Once a week or once a fortnight, use a damp sponge or dish rag and some detergent and clean the gaskets. Wipe dry before closing the door.
Condenser Coils
The condenser or refrigerator coils keep your fridge cool. Dusty and soiled coils need to work harder to be effective. Keeping your fridge coils clean can translate to reduced energy bills and a longer working life for your fridge. You may want to clean the coils to ensure that they’re working efficiently at least once or twice a year.
How to clean refrigerator coils:
- Unplug your fridge. Never clean the coils with the fridge plugged in.
- Remove the back panel or grill with a screwdriver where applicable. The coils will usually be located at the back or under the fridge.
- With a vacuum cleaner or broom, brush away the dust from the coils. If there is a coil fan, be sure to also give it a good dusting.
- Special purpose refrigerator coil brushes provide better reach and can be bought at hardware stores.
Always consult the operation manual for specific instructions, or obtain advice from a professional fridge maintenance service if you have any doubts.
Drip Pan
Some fridges will have a removable drip pan. Drip pans can be cleaned once a year or as frequently as instructed.
- Always unplug the fridge before removing the drip pan.
- The drip pan is usually located at the bottom of the fridge behind the front grill or panel. Pull out the drip pan.
- Scrub the pan with warm water and detergent. Baking soda can help remove stubborn stains.
Water Filters
If your fridge has an ice maker and water fountain as many Westinghouse fridges do, it’ll probably have a water filter that requires regular replacement. Keep your drinking water fresh tasting by changing your filter at least once every six months or as required by the manufacturer.
Day-to-Day Maintenance and Tips
These everyday maintenance tips will keep your fridge running more efficiently.
- Where possible, allow food and drink to cool before placing them into the fridge. This reduces energy consumption.
- Keeping your fridge away from hot appliances or heat sources which allows it to cool more effectively and reduce energy consumption.
- Keep the fridge top clear to allow better air circulation and cooling.
- Mop up spills and stains quickly to avoid lingering odours.
- Keep both the fridge and freezer well organised as this will mean the fridge door can be shut more quickly. Over the course of a year, you can save 50 to 120kWh a year (according to a study by the University of Florida).
Tips for Keeping Your Fridge Running for Longer is a post from: Price Pirate
