Keep your Refrigerator in Top Condition

You may have problems with your refrigerator if the temperature outside exceeds 100 degrees this summer. We see an increase of refrigerator failures during the summer months. There are many problems that can occur, from refrigerators not cooling properly or complete breakdowns. Do not let sudden refrigeration loss ruin your life! These simple summer maintenance tips and settings for refrigerators will help you avoid being a victim to sudden refrigeration loss.

What is the ideal temperature for my refrigerator and freezer?

Check the Temperature Settings

For optimal performance, your refrigerator should be set at 35 degrees F. Foods that are below 32 degrees F will freeze and food that is above 40 degrees F will be susceptible to harmful bacteria growth. A digital thermometer is a great option to ensure that your fridge’s temperature is properly set. You can monitor the temperature and adjust the settings to keep the fridge at 35 degrees F.

You can move your vegetables into drawers (crisper) if they are frozen in the fridge. Keep your vegetables as close as possible to the shelves if you don’t have enough space in the drawers. The refrigerator’s back is where cold air flows, so it tends be the coldest. As a general rule, keep meats and perishable items in the back and fruits and vegetables in the front.

32degF is not sufficient to freeze food. To prevent dangerous bacteria from growing, it’s a good idea for foods past their “Use By” date to be kept below 0degF.

Tips to Make Your Refrigerator Work During Summer

• Make sure the coils are clean
• Clean your refrigerator coils. Dirty coils could cause your refrigerator’s compressor not to work as hard as it should, leading to a sudden failure. You can find the coils in any of these three locations:
• The back of the unit (completely exposed).
• The front toe panel is located under the foot
• Accessible via rear access panel

Find the coil of your refrigerator and use a brush (be careful not to damage or jar the coils). Next, vacuum the fan and coil to get rid all dust, lint and debris. You can do this on your own but many appliance repair companies will offer maintenance at a fair price.

Keep your refrigerator and freezer full

Although it may sound absurd, keeping your fridge and freezer full can help reduce the time required for your compressor to cool the unit. A refrigerator that is empty won’t cool down properly. It is important to not overcrowd your refrigerator. However, keeping it at least 3/4 full with food will make it more efficient. It’s great to use jugs of water instead of food!

Maintain Your Garage Refrigerator

It will work very hard to maintain temperature if you have a fridge in your garage when it is 100 degrees outside. Check that the seal and coils are in good condition. If your refrigerator feels hot on the outside or the metal strip connecting the freezer and refrigerator sides is hot, there’s a problem.

Buy Drinks that are already cold

If you can, buy juice, water, or soda already chilled when you shop. Warm food can be heated up in the fridge/freezer, which will require more work from the compressor to cool it down.

Make sure the seal works properly

A refrigerator door that isn’t sealed properly can lead to many problems. Place a piece of newspaper at the edge of your refrigerator or freezer door to check that they are functioning properly. Close the door. The paper should be able to be removed if you feel resistance. You should feel some resistance when you try to remove the paper. If not, call an appliance repair technician to have it replaced. You will be able to avoid more costly breakdowns in the long-term by having a properly functioning seal.

It is important to ensure that your refrigerator receives routine maintenance each year. You should change the water filter once every six months, clean the coils every year (or every six months if your pets are a lot more dusty), and check the temperature settings often. You can avoid costly breakdowns and food loss by performing preventative maintenance.

To get your Refrigerator repair in emergency, call Fixify Appliance repair.