To keep your food fresh and edible, it’s a good idea to best buy refrigerators from a reputable appliance store. After all, when a product is being sold from a trusted source, you know that it meets the highest quality and industry standards. You can also ensure that the appliance you’re getting will be backed by appropriate after-sales supportUnfortunately, there are a lot of factors that can cause even top-of-the-line models to malfunction, and in most cases, it’s due to neglect and misuse.
Your refrigerator has become a vital part of your everyday life, so it’s your responsibility to keep it in good condition. There are many things you can do to extend the lifespan of your fridge, as well as reduce the need for expensive repairs and replacement. Here are five tips you can take into consideration.
1. Consider the Placement of Your Fridge
The kitchen is where most refrigerators are installed. However, not many people are aware of how to properly place it in this part of their home. Normally, you’d set it in a handy nook that’s been carved out in the kitchen. But that isn’t always the best location to place the fridge. The lack of ventilation forces the refrigerator’s motor to work twice as hard and consume more energy to keep its contents cool. Other locations that can cause this problem include areas near ovens, heat vents, and those that are directly hit by sunlight. You also have to make sure that the appliance is set on a level surface. If the floor is uneven, keeping the fridge door shut tight can become tricky. Leaving the door open will cause the refrigerator to leak and allow cold air to escape, overworking the motor as a result.
2. Defrost the Freezer Regularly
Even if your refrigerator has an anti-frost feature, it’s still a good idea to defrost it regularly. Ice buildup can also cause the appliance’s motor to work harder, making it more susceptible to damage and premature wear. Aside from turning off the refrigerator to make the ice melt, there are other techniques to help reduce frost buildup. You can use a wooden or plastic scrape to remove the frost, as well as allow any hot food to cool before placing them in the fridge or freezer. Doing so will prevent condensation, which is the most common reason behind frost buildup.
3. Don’t Overload It
It’s nice seeing a full fridge whenever you open its doors. However, it’s highly recommended not to overload the appliance. Crowding it with meat, produce, and other food items will make it difficult for the refrigerator to circulate cool air. As a result, its motor will have to work double duty to make sure that its contents stay fresh. Placing too many heavy items on the compartments behind the door can also cause the door hinges and door seal to loosen.
Another thing you should avoid doing is treating the top of the refrigerator as extra shelving space. Placing items on top of the appliance can prevent it from dissipating heat efficiently, forcing its motor to overwork once again. This can also cause damage to the surface of your fridge, creating scratch marks and cracks.
4. Clean It Often
Make it a habit to clean your refrigerator on a regular basis. Doing so will not only keep mold, bacteria, and bad smells at bay, but it will also ensure that your food stays fresh for longer. Cleaning your fridge is a pretty straightforward procedure. However, you can go the extra mile and extend its service life by taking the time to clean the following areas:
Condenser coils
Door gaskets
Ice trays
Water and ice dispenser
Exterior surfaces
5. Have It Inspected Annually
Having your refrigerator inspected annually is an excellent way to keep it in great condition. Qualified electricians or fridge technicians have the experience and training to not only repair any type of damage, but also to notice early signs of wear. With their help, you can immediately remedy the problem before it gets out of hand. What’s more, you can ask them for additional tips for taking better care of your refrigerator. This way, you can further improve your appliance’s performance and efficiency.
Although the refrigerator is just one of the many appliances you own, it plays an important role in providing you with a good life. It’s designed to keep your food fresh so you’re able to preserve the nutrients in your meat and produce—allowing you to cook and eat healthy meals. It also prevents your leftovers from spoiling so easily, reducing wasted food and money as a result. As such, it’s only right that you make the effort to ensure that your fridge is running smoothly and will do so for a long time. By following these 5 tips, you can rest assured that your refrigerator will last longer than expected and provide you with a reliable performance.
Ross is known as the Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas - An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Professional by profession and a Social Media Evangelist by heart.
