The refrigerator is one of the most important appliances in your home. Since it is an expensive appliance, you want to make sure it is properly maintained so as to extend the life. You should look for Sub Zero Repair the moment you notice there is a functionality problem with your refrigerator. The fridge not only keeps the food cool but also prevents contamination from bacteria. Here are some tips that will come in handy if you’re looking to extend the life of your refrigerator.
Check Placement
Not a lot of people will think about where the refrigerator is placed when they move into a new house or apartment complex. In most instances, there will be a nook that is already carved out in the kitchen for the placement of the refrigerator. What most people fail to realize, is that it might not be the best place for the fridge. The heat that is generated will make the compressor and motor work harder. This could be a bigger problem if there is not enough space for circulation. Ultimately, the lifespan of the refrigerator will be reduced because of the wear and tear. You should be looking for a location that is not near the oven, is away from direct sunlight, and with no vents nearby.
If you don’t have a lot of space, the best solution would be to place an insulation board between the refrigerator and the oven. It is also crucial that the second fridge is not placed in a hot area. Some people will keep the second fridge in the garage or the basement. Such locations are not always recommended because the fridge could overheat.
Vacuum the Coils
This should be a no brainer especially if you’ve owned a fridge for a long time. The coils are located on the back of the refrigerator. They play a big role in the cooling system, but their function can be interfered with if they’re covered in dust or dirt. This will mean that the motor and compressor will have to work harder thereby shortening the lifespan of the refrigerator.
You can easily fix this problem by pulling the fridge out after a couple of months. You can then clean the coils with your vacuum machine. It is recommended that you vacuum the coils monthly if you have pets or live in a dusty environment.
Wipe Spills Immediately
You shouldn’t wait for too long before you wipe out the spills inside the refrigerator. This is particularly important for raw meat juices as you could be encouraging the growth of bacteria in the refrigerator. Cleaning the spills will also reduce contamination. This can be a really big problem in commercial fridges used by a lot of people.
Keep the Top Clear
It is not uncommon for people to use the top of the fridge as a storage option. This is not recommended because the top of the refrigerator warms to the touch. The dissipation of the heat from running motor emanate from the top of the fridge. When the top is covered, the heat can’t properly dissipate and the motors will have to work extra hard in cooling the fridge. Make sure there is nothing on top of the fridge at any given time. You should also dust it off after every few weeks to maintain the level of cleanliness.
Fill It Properly
There is a balance that needs to be maintained when stocking the fridge. A fridge that is overcrowded won’t function effectively because there is poor circulation of air. The internal fans can easily be blocked when you place items directly in front of them. There should be adequate room for air circulation. You shouldn’t be stacking everything at the top of the freezer.
Defrost When Necessary
Most modern refrigerators are frost-free. What this means is you don’t have to defrost regularly as long the fridge is in use. Frost buildup usually comes about when the items in the refrigerator are not stored properly. This makes the motor work harder, which eventually leads to wear and tear. You might have to call a repair technician often if the problem is not solved.
You should also not forget to change the water filters when it is time for a replacement. A filter that is pushed past its limits will not be effective when it comes to trapping contaminants. There will be specifications on how often the filters need to be changed.