You and your family probably use your refrigerator every single day, and that appliance must stand up to quite a bit of wear and tear over the years. If you want to keep your fridge running as smoothly as possible, then there are some important repair and maintenance steps that must be carried out at regular intervals.
Start With Proper Use
When your refrigerator is starting to act up, the first thing that you will need to do is consider if you are using it properly. Many people don’t realize that a refrigerator works much more efficiently when there is plenty of food inside that can help the device remain at a consistent temperature. That being said, overloading your refrigerator and blocking the vents and fans can overwork the motor and result in premature damage.
Clean or Replace the Seals
The seals around the doors are going to impact the efficiency of the refrigerator as well as its lifespan. Those are just a few of the reasons why you should regularly clean the seals and ensure that they aren’t damaged in any way. Seals can easily be cleaned with a wet wash cloth and mild soap, and that type of maintenance should be carried out at least once every few weeks.
Inspect and Clean the Coils
Most modern refrigerators have exterior condenser coils that release all of the heat that was captured on the inside of the device. Over time, those coils can become caked in quite a bit of grime, and that could lead to long-term damage or expensive efficiency issues. With the refrigerator off, the coils can be vacuumed before they are wiped down with a damp washcloth. In most cases, the coils should be thoroughly cleaned and inspected at least once every six months.
Contact a Repair Technician
Proper cleaning and maintenance can be extremely helpful, but there might come a point when it is time to contact a professional. As soon as you notice any unusual problems with your fridge, you should immediately contact a company to come take a look at it. Certain companies, like Sub Zero refrigerator repair know how important this is. An experienced technician should be able to locate the issue right away and come up with an effective solution so that your refrigerator continues to operate for years.
Even if you go to great lengths to keep your refrigerator running smoothly, it will still need to be replaced at some point. While every model is slightly different, most refrigerators will need to be replaced every 10 to 20 years when they are used consistently.
