Estimated read time: 4-5 minutes
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Although refrigerators are sophisticated appliances, most of us rarely think of their functions after they've been installed. We kind of hope the systems will work properly, which is why it's so jarring when something goes wrong.
Fortunately, there are simple things you can do to help your refrigerator work more efficiently and last longer. As with all appliances, consistent maintenance is key to avoiding significant issues down the road, according to maintenance manuals. Treat your refrigerator right and you could get up to 30 years of loyal service out of it.
5 tips to get started
Make sure it's leveled properly
This adjustment should occur when you install the fridge, but it's worthwhile to check again at a later date to see if refinements are needed. Use a leveling tool to make sure the fridge is perfectly level from side to side. When it comes to the front-to-back angle, you actually want it to rise slightly in the front. Consult your user manual for the manufacturer's recommendation.
Fridges that aren't correctly leveled have to work harder. For one thing, the doors might not seal properly. More concerningly, the coolant system or freezer defrost cycle might not function correctly due to the misalignment.
Inspect the door gaskets
These seals are an essential barrier that keep cold air from escaping from your fridge and freezer. When they're compromised, your appliance won't run efficiently.
Start by inspecting the gaskets to see if there's any visible damage. If so, you'll need to replace them. If not, you should still wash them with warm, soapy water to remove any debris that might compromise the seal.
Clean those condenser coils
Dust and gunk accumulate on your condenser coils, reducing their effectiveness and risking more serious issues. To clean them, unplug your fridge, roll it forward and locate the coils. You can use a vacuum attachment or a hard-bristled brush to remove any debris.
Keep the fridge filled properly
When your fridge is packed to the brim, it has to work harder to maintain the temperature. You might even find that some things get frozen while others aren't cold enough.
On the flip side, your fridge may also struggle if it's sparsely filled. Even if you don't have much food to store in it for a while, place some beverages in there to help keep things cool.
Dial in the right temperature
Read your own user manual to confirm the ideal temperature for your fridge and freezer. Then keep an eye on the settings to make sure it remains in that zone. You'd be surprised how often someone accidentally adjusts the temperature and causes problems for the whole appliance.
A couple brands to try
Modern fridges definitely have more features than older appliances but are also designed to make maintenance more convenient. Here are a couple great options to consider:
Hisense 17.2-cu. ft. Counter-Depth Bottom-Freezer Refrigerator
This refrigerator often goes on sale for under $800 and has lots of great features, like beautiful LED lighting and a full-width pantry drawer. The controls are quite user-friendly and make it easy to maintain the optimal temperature. As an added bonus, this fridge has exceptional energy efficiency.
I love that even though it's a smaller fridge, the storage spaces in the doors can still hold gallon-sized cartons. Another feature that helps you get the most from the space are the adjustable shelves, which enable you to customize the interior to exactly what you need.
KitchenAid 19.4-cu. ft. Counter-Depth 4-Door Refrigerator with PrintShield Finish
The four-door design of this fridge makes it easier to organize items into sections, where they're visible and easy to find. And the sliding storage trays in both the fridge and freezer are perfect for storing platters or keeping ingredients close at hand.
The appliance's touch panel controls are located on the outside of the doors, making it more convenient to update settings. I love that there's a temperature management system with sensors to adjust the temperatures and keep food fresh. Plus, the Max Cool and Max Freeze features can quickly lower the fridge and freezer temperature to get food and drinks to the optimal temperature in a hurry.
One final feature that deserves mentioning is the PrintShield finish. It's amazing for families because it resists the fingerprints and smudges that kids dish out on a daily basis. And when the inevitable marks do finally appear, you can just clean them with damp cloth.
