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How Can Homeowners Save Money on Refrigerator Maintenance

Written by Katie Hagan | Sep 10, 2024 4:43:46 PM

Ever wondered how to keep your fridge running smoothly without breaking the bank? You're not alone. Many homeowners struggle with refrigerator upkeep, but it doesn't have to be a headache. Did you know that a well-maintained fridge can last up to 13 years? That's a lot of cold drinks and fresh food! Let's dive into some simple tips that'll help you become a fridge maintenance pro and save some cash along the way.

Why Refrigerator Maintenance Matters

Your fridge works hard day and night to keep your food fresh. But without proper care, it can use more energy and break down sooner. Regular maintenance helps your fridge run better and last longer. This means fewer repair bills and lower energy costs for you.

Think of your fridge like a car. If you never change the oil or check the tires, it won't run well for long. The same goes for your refrigerator. A little bit of care goes a long way in keeping it healthy.

Easy Maintenance Tasks You Can Do Today

Clean Those Coils

One of the easiest ways to help your fridge is to clean its coils. These are usually on the back or bottom of the fridge. When they get dusty, your fridge has to work harder to stay cool. This uses more energy and can lead to breakdowns.

To clean the coils:

  • Unplug your fridge
  • Find the coils (check your manual if you're not sure where they are)
  • Use a vacuum with a brush attachment to gently remove dust and dirt
  • Plug your fridge back in

Doing this twice a year can make a big difference in how well your fridge works.

Check and Clean the Door Seals

The rubber seals around your fridge door keep cold air in and warm air out. When these seals get dirty or worn out, your fridge has to work overtime to stay cool.

To check your seals:

  • Close the door on a dollar bill
  • Try to pull the bill out
  • If it slides out easily, your seal might need replacing

To clean the seals, use warm, soapy water and a soft cloth. Dry them well when you're done. Clean seals will help your fridge stay cold and use less energy.

Keep It Cool, But Not Too Cool

Your fridge doesn't need to be as cold as possible. In fact, setting it too cold wastes energy and can freeze your food. The ideal temperature for a fridge is between 37°F and 40°F.

You can check the temperature with a fridge thermometer. Place it in the middle of the fridge and leave it for 24 hours. If it's not in the right range, adjust your fridge settings.

Smart Storage for Better Performance

How you store food in your fridge matters too. A crowded fridge can't circulate air well, which makes it work harder. But a nearly empty fridge isn't good either. Food and drinks help keep the temperature steady.

Here are some storage tips:

  • Don't overfill your fridge
  • Leave some space between items for air to flow
  • Keep foods that spoil easily, like milk and eggs, in the main part of the fridge where it's coldest
  • Use the crisper drawers for fruits and veggies to keep them fresh longer

When to Call a Pro

While there's a lot you can do yourself, some jobs are best left to the experts. If you notice any of these signs, it might be time to call a professional:

  • Your fridge is making strange noises
  • It's not staying cold enough
  • There's water pooling inside or under the fridge
  • The compressor (the part that hums) is running all the time

A pro can fix these issues before they turn into bigger, more expensive problems.

Remember, taking care of your fridge doesn't have to be hard. With these simple tips, you can keep your food fresh, your energy bills low, and your fridge running for years to come. Happy maintaining!

Keeping Your Fridge Happy and Your Wallet Full

Ever wonder how to make your fridge last longer without spending a ton of money? You're not alone. Many homeowners struggle with this, but it doesn't have to be hard. With a few simple tricks, you can keep your fridge running smoothly and save cash at the same time.

The Secret to a Long-Lasting Fridge

Think of your fridge like a car. Just like you change your car's oil regularly, your fridge needs some TLC too. Regular care helps it run better and last longer. This means you'll spend less on repairs and use less energy.

Easy Fixes You Can Do Today

Let's start with something simple: cleaning the coils. These are usually on the back or bottom of your fridge. When they get dusty, your fridge has to work harder to stay cool. This uses more energy and can lead to breakdowns.

To clean them:

  • Unplug your fridge
  • Find the coils (check your manual if you're not sure where they are)
  • Use a vacuum with a brush attachment to gently remove dust and dirt
  • Plug your fridge back in

Do this twice a year, and you'll notice a difference in how well your fridge works.

Next up: check those door seals. The rubber seals around your fridge door keep cold air in and warm air out. When they get dirty or worn out, your fridge has to work overtime to stay cool.

To check your seals:

  • Close the door on a dollar bill
  • Try to pull the bill out
  • If it slides out easily, your seal might need replacing

Clean the seals with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth. Dry them well when you're done. Clean seals help your fridge stay cold and use less energy.

The Right Temperature Saves Money

Did you know your fridge doesn't need to be super cold? Setting it too cold wastes energy and can freeze your food. The sweet spot is between 37°F and 40°F.

You can check the temperature with a fridge thermometer. Put it in the middle of the fridge and leave it for 24 hours. If it's not in the right range, adjust your fridge settings.

Smart Storage Saves Energy

How you store food in your fridge matters too. A crowded fridge can't circulate air well, which makes it work harder. But a nearly empty fridge isn't good either. Food and drinks help keep the temperature steady.

Here are some tips:

  • Don't overfill your fridge
  • Leave some space between items for air to flow
  • Keep foods that spoil easily, like milk and eggs, in the main part of the fridge where it's coldest
  • Use the crisper drawers for fruits and veggies to keep them fresh longer

When to Call the Pros

While there's a lot you can do yourself, some jobs are best left to the experts. If you notice any of these signs, it might be time to call a professional:

  • Your fridge is making strange noises
  • It's not staying cold enough
  • There's water pooling inside or under the fridge
  • The compressor (the part that hums) is running all the time

A pro can fix these issues before they turn into bigger, more expensive problems.

Keep It Clean, Keep It Cool

Regular cleaning is key to a happy fridge. Every few months, take everything out and give the inside a good wipe down. Use warm, soapy water and a soft cloth. Don't forget the shelves and drawers!

While you're at it, check for any expired food. Tossing old items makes room for fresh food and helps prevent odors.

The Power of Proper Placement

Where you put your fridge matters too. Keep it away from heat sources like ovens or direct sunlight. This helps it work more efficiently. Also, make sure there's space around the fridge for air to circulate. This helps prevent overheating.

Stay Cool and Save Money

By following these simple tips, you can keep your fridge running smoothly for years. This means fewer repair bills, lower energy costs, and fresher food. It's a win-win for your wallet and your meals!

Keeping Your Food Fresh and Safe

Do you ever open your fridge and wonder if everything inside is still good to eat? A well-maintained refrigerator is key to keeping your food fresh and safe. Let's look at some easy ways to take care of your fridge that won't break the bank.

The Importance of Regular Cleaning

Cleaning your fridge isn't just about looks. It's about keeping your food safe too. Every few months, take everything out and give the inside a good wipe down. Use warm, soapy water and a soft cloth. This helps get rid of any spills or crumbs that could grow bacteria.

While you're cleaning, check for any old food. Throwing out expired items makes room for fresh food and helps stop bad smells. It's also a good time to organize your fridge. Put foods that go bad quickly, like milk and eggs, in the main part where it's coldest.

Checking Your Fridge's Temperature

Your fridge doesn't need to be super cold to work well. In fact, setting it too cold can freeze your food and waste energy. The best temperature is between 37°F and 40°F. You can check this with a fridge thermometer. Put it in the middle of the fridge and leave it for a day. If it's not in the right range, adjust your fridge settings.

Smart Storage for Better Efficiency

How you store food in your fridge matters too. A crowded fridge can't circulate air well, which makes it work harder. But a nearly empty fridge isn't good either. Food and drinks help keep the temperature steady.

Try these tips:

  • Don't overfill your fridge
  • Leave some space between items for air to flow
  • Use the crisper drawers for fruits and veggies to keep them fresh longer

Taking Care of the Outside

The outside of your fridge needs attention too. The coils on the back or bottom help your fridge stay cool. When they get dusty, your fridge has to work harder. This uses more energy and can lead to breakdowns.

To clean them:

  • Unplug your fridge
  • Find the coils (check your manual if you're not sure where they are)
  • Use a vacuum with a brush attachment to gently remove dust and dirt
  • Plug your fridge back in

Do this twice a year, and you'll notice a difference in how well your fridge works.

Don't Forget the Door Seals

The rubber seals around your fridge door keep cold air in and warm air out. When they get dirty or worn out, your fridge has to work overtime to stay cool. Clean the seals with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth. Dry them well when you're done.

To check if your seals are working:

  • Close the door on a dollar bill
  • Try to pull the bill out
  • If it slides out easily, your seal might need replacing

Clean seals help your fridge stay cold and use less energy.

When to Call for Help

While there's a lot you can do yourself, some jobs are best left to the experts. If you notice any of these signs, it might be time to call a professional:

  • Your fridge is making strange noises
  • It's not staying cold enough
  • There's water pooling inside or under the fridge
  • The compressor (the part that hums) is running all the time

A pro can fix these issues before they turn into bigger, more expensive problems.

Conclusion

At OnPoint, we understand the importance of a well-maintained refrigerator in every home. Our team of experts, with over 25 years of experience, is dedicated to helping homeowners like you keep their appliances in top shape. We've seen firsthand how simple maintenance can prevent costly repairs and extend the life of your fridge.

Regular cleaning, proper temperature settings, and smart storage are key to keeping your food fresh and your energy bills low. By following these tips, you're not just taking care of your fridge – you're taking care of your family's health and your wallet too.

Remember, while many maintenance tasks can be done on your own, some issues require professional help. That's where we come in. Our comprehensive warranty programs and expert technicians are here to ensure your fridge and other home appliances run smoothly year-round.

Want to learn more about how we can help you maintain your home appliances? We'd love to hear from you. Take a look at our fixHomz plans today to discover how OnPoint can make your home maintenance easier and more affordable.