Key Points to Maintain Your Refrigerator

Everyone cringes whenever a major appliance goes on the blink and needs to be repaired. Out of all the appliances used in the kitchen, it's probably the worst when the refrigerator gives out. Not only can it mean hundreds of dollars worth of spoiled food, but a hefty repair bill too. In order to keep your refrigerator working longer, without needing refrigeration repairs, there are a few cleaning safeguards you can incorporate into your regular cleaning routine. Here are some suggestions:

1. Clear the space around the refrigerator -- Don't place a lot of items around your refrigerator. That's really bad for it because it requires room to breathe in order to operate properly. Also, don't stack things between the refrigerator and the cabinet next to it. Leave lots of air space all around the refrigerator to let the compressor draw cooler air from the room so that it won't over heat.
   
   
2. Vacuum off coils on the back of the refrigerator -- Use a handheld vacuum or duster and do a thorough job. Dirt, dust and grime accumulate on the coils over time, and if not removed, this will interfere with the refrigerator's ability to breathe too, resulting in refrigeration repairs. Every month or so, it's a good idea to unplug the refrigerator to be safe, and then dust off the coils before you plug it back in.
   
   
3. Clean under the refrigerator -- Use a long-handled brush or microfiber duster and get rid of the dust and dirt that gathers under the refrigerator. Also scrub the grate that is underneath the refrigerator. All of this too is so that the refrigerator will get plenty of air.
   
   
4. Defrost the freezer -- You don't have to do this often, but as needed take the time to do the task. Remember that sometimes even a frost-free refrigerator and freezer need defrosting. Frozen debris can create blockages that cause water to back up and form a pool in the bottom of a fridge or freezer. If this happens, unplug the refrigerator and let the freezer defrost by itself. Don't try to pry the ice loose with a knife as this can damage the refrigerator. Then you'll have to call someone like an electrician.
   
   
5. Keep freezer full -- Keeping the freezer full regularly helps to prevent the refrigerator's compressor from working overtime and thus conserves your compressor.
   
   
6. Clean the gasket -- Wipe the gasket clean around your refrigerator and freezer with a damp cloth. If you don't do this, then the gasket will get damaged over time. This will cause the gasket to not seal correctly and then the compressor has to work over time trying to maintain a constant temperature for the refrigerator.
   
   
7. Clean the grill -- Keep the grill on the front of the refrigerator clean. It should snap off and on, but check in case there are screws. All you need to do is pull it toward you and the grill should come right off.
   

All of these suggestions should help you to keep your refrigerator running for a long time, however, eventually no matter how hard you try, something is going to give and you will need to call a repairman, like an electrician.

Biography: Jake Hyet is considered an expert on static refrigeration repairs, having worked as a static electrician Brisbane. He writes extensively on the topics of refrigerators and electricity.