Three Ways To Keep Your Refrigerator Operating Efficiently
Posted on: 4 October 2017
Today's refrigerators are made to be highly energy efficient. However, if you do not take good care of your refrigerator, its efficiency can quickly be compromised. Refrigerator maintenance should not take up countless hours of your time. In fact, if you complete these three simple tasks every 6 to 12 months, you'll keep your refrigerator operating more efficiently:
Vacuum the Coils
The coils on the back of your refrigerator tend to attract dust and dirt. As they grow dirtier, they stop exchanging heat so readily, which leads to an increase in energy bills. So, once or twice a year, pull your refrigerator out from the wall and use your vacuum cleaner to remove the dust from the coils. If the coils are really dirty, you may want to wipe them down with a damp cloth, too. You can reduce dust accumulation on your coils by vacuuming your home more often and by changing the filter in your HVAC system every month.
Check and Replace the Gaskets
The gasket is that rubberized tubing that runs along the side of your refrigerator's door. It is meant to provide a good seal between the door and the frame of the fridge. The problem is, as gaskets age, they can begin cracking or bowing away from the refrigerator door, creating air leaks that reduce your refrigerator's efficiency.
Look over your gaskets every few months. If one is in bad shape, you can remove it by loosening the screws that hold it in place (don't remove them completely) and simply pulling out the gasket. Take it to the store to buy another one of the same size. Use a sharp knife to trim the new gasket to the correct length, and push it into place. Tighten the screws, and you're all set to go.
Clean the Condensate Pan
Most modern refrigerators with freezer compartments are self-defrosting. This means that every few hours, the refrigerator's coils warm up slightly to melt frost accumulation. The water drips down into a pan at the bottom of the fridge. It's important to remove and sanitize this pan once or twice a year so it does not grow too much mold and lead to clogs that reduce efficiency. Just rinse it with bleach and water, and then let it air dry before sliding it back into place.
If you notice any other problems with your refrigerator, contact an appliance repair company sooner rather than later. Repairing problems quickly can keep your fridge operating as efficiently as possible. Contact a company like Laundry Liquidators Inc for more information.
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