The refrigerator is one of the most important appliances in the kitchen, keeping food from spoiling and causing illness. It is very important to keep the Refrigeration system clean and running properly, especially because it can cost a lot of money to replace it. Follow these tips to keep your fridge running smoothly.
Step One: Clean the Condenser Coils and Fan
Always unplug your fridge before you do any type of work on it. To start your maintenance, find the condenser coils. The coils will either be behind the fridge or beneath the grille. You may need to pull the fridge away from the wall to do this. Once you find the coils, remove built up dust thoroughly with a brush or a vacuum. When dust piles up on the coils it sets the entire machine off balance. After that, find the condenser fan, usually behind the fridge and beneath a cover. Use a screwdriver to remove the cover then clean the fan the same way you cleaned the coils. Be sure to put the cover and grille back into place when cleaning is finished.
Step Two: Replace the Filter, Clean the Drip Cups, and Clean the Gaskets
Some Refrigeration systems have water filters. If your fridge has one, replace the filter every 6 months. A dirty filter causes dirty water. Next, look in your owner’s manual to find the drain holes and drip cups. Remove any food you see and wipe them out. Finally, get a bucket of warm soapy water and wipe down the fridge’s “gaskets”. The gasket is the part of the fridge door that seals it shut. Check for wear spots while you’re cleaning.
Step Three: Adjust the Temperature
Many people have their fridges set to the wrong temperature. You don’t want your fridge to be too cold, but you also don’t want it to be too hot. The typical rule of thumb is that the fridge should be set at about 40 degrees Fahrenheit, typically the middle setting.
Maintenance goes a long way to preserve your fridge, but it won’t last forever. When you need to replace or repair parts of your fridge, it’s best to call in experts like the ones found at Domain. Find someone who is qualified in your area and get your machine back to running smoothly.
