When you open your refrigerator, you expect to be hit with a wave of cold air. But what if you aren’t? A ball of dread forms in your stomach—the longer your food sits at room temperature, the more likely it is to spoil. Are your valuable groceries going to waste?
Nearly every week, you load all your food into the fridge, close the door, and forget about it (until you need to eat). We rely on our refrigerators to keep our groceries at the right temperature, and we can only preserve fresh produce, meat, and leftovers with a functional refrigerator.
At Napoleon Appliances, we’ve been offering Kanata appliance repair for years. In that time, we’ve learned the ins and outs of refrigerator maintenance—and we’re going to share them with you.
Most refrigerators last 10-15 years. You can extend the lifespan of your refrigerator or freezer with regular maintenance. Here’s how to do it:
Monitor the Temperature
You want to make sure your fridge is at the right temperature; it keeps your food safe from bacteria. According to Consumer Reports, the ideal temperature is 37°F (3℃).
You keep your fridge running all day long. How do you know if it’s set to the right temperature? Your fridge may have a sensor that indicates the temperature. Be sure to check the reading often and adjust it as needed.
Food Storage Techniques
When you practice these simple maintenance tasks, you can keep your fridge working better for longer:
- Cover your food. When you leave food uncovered, it leaks moisture into the surrounding air. That’s bad news for your fridge—humid air can make your food spoil quicker. Make sure your food has a tight seal with a lid, plastic wrap, or aluminum foil. This keeps your food fresh, reduces odours, and helps you prevent appliance repairs.
- Don’t put hot food in the refrigerator. Your fridge is constantly using energy to maintain a cool temperature. When you put hot food in it, the fridge needs to use more energy to cool things down. Only put cooled-down food in the fridge to avoid destabilizing the temperature.
- Keep your fridge well–stocked. If the fridge is too empty, it will have a harder time cooling; if it’s too full, it may block the vents. Try to keep your fridge reasonably stocked with food whenever possible (this helps maintain the proper thermal mass).
Check the Condenser Coils
The refrigerator coils can build up with hair, dust, or stray crumbs. When they get dirty, it’s tough to keep your refrigerator running in optimal condition. Cleaning them off takes a bit of elbow grease, but we’re here to walk you through it.
To clean refrigerator coils, you need to locate them first. There are two sets: The condenser coils (which get rid of heat) on the exterior of the unit and the evaporator coils (which absorb heat internally) located within the unit. Unplug the refrigerator and pull it away from the wall. You can usually find the condenser coils at the back of your refrigerator or the bottom.
Use Baking Soda
What’s that smell? There might be lingering food odours coming from your refrigerator or freezer. To keep your household appliances odour-free, we recommend using an open box of baking soda.
For a deeper clean, mix baking soda with warm water. Then, use that to scrub various areas of the fridge, including the door seals. While you’re at it, sweep the floor underneath your appliance to clear out any crumbs. Regularly cleaning your appliances takes some time out of your day, but it’s worth it when you see the sparkling surfaces!
Inspect the Drain Pan
This shallow pan collects water from the fridge. If it has any cracks or gets too clogged up with dirt, it can’t do its job effectively.
Check the refrigerator’s manual to find out where the drip pain is located. Then, inspect the drain hole for any dust, dirt, or excess water. Clean it or replace it if needed.
Test the Refrigerator Door
If there are any gaps in the door, cold air will leak out from the appliance, causing energy loss. We’ve got a simple way for you to test whether the door has a tight seal: The dollar bill test.
Place a bill near the door seal, and then close the door. Then, try to pull it out. If it slides right out, you need a new door gasket. Need help making the door seal properly? At Napoleon Appliance Repair, that’s one of the things we’re here for.
Schedule Refrigerator Maintenance
These routine maintenance tips will keep your freezer and fridge in working order. All sorts of issues can arise with this essential appliance—the temperature could drop, water might leak, or you could deal with a premature compressor failure. When this happens, who should you call? Napoleon!At Napoleon Appliances, we offer Kanata fridge repair. Whenever your freezer or refrigerator is broken, give us a call, and we’ll be there to tune it up ASAP. Contact us today!