A Homeowner's Guide to Refrigerator Maintenance

Almost every home in the US has a refrigerator, and about 35 million households have two.

Like all appliances in a home, refrigerators can seem complicated. If you're having any major issues with yours, it may take a trained professional to fix things. Despite that, there are various things you can do to maintain your refrigerator and keep it in good shape.

In this guide, we'll go over some of the key aspects of refrigerator maintenance that you can use to keep yours running. Keep reading for more.

Check the Temperature

One of the key (and easiest) steps of fridge maintenance is to keep it at the manufacturer's recommended temperature. This will keep it running efficiently, helping maximize its lifespan.

If you set it too cold, the compressor will have to work harder and may fail sooner than expected.

Close the Door

Another simple way to avoid the need for appliance maintenance is to keep the door shut whenever you're not using it. If you leave the door open, your refrigerator will struggle to maintain its temperature.

Not only will this strain the components, but it will waste energy, which is never ideal. If it gets left open for too long, the food inside could even go bad.

Replace the Water Filter

There are certain refrigerator problems that people experience and are completely unaware of. If yours dispenses water and ice, then it will have a filter (or maybe multiple).

Make sure you change these filters at least once every six months. Leaving filters in for too long can result in unclean water and ice, and might lead to things like leaks and clogs.

Keep It Level

If there's any damage to the motor, professional refrigerator repair will be essential. One thing that can damage the motor is if the refrigerator is uneven.

Sometimes this can be difficult to notice, but the most obvious sign is if the door doesn't close properly or swings in an unusual way. You can use a level to be certain, and you may be able to adjust the feet to level it out. The manufacturer's guide should have instructions on how to do this.

Empty the Ice

Ice can last for a long time, but it will absorb odors from your freezer. If the container is too full, it can also clog or block the dispenser. You should empty it regularly to avoid both of these issues.

Do this about once a month and wash your ice bins. You should also turn off your icemaker if the container is full so that ice blocks don't form at the dispenser.

Professional Refrigerator Maintenance

If you want to get the most out of your refrigerator, it's essential that you take care of it. Keep in mind the tips above to ensure your fridge stays in good shape and lasts as long as it can.

There may be times when you have major issues that you're unable to deal with yourself. General Appliances Service offers refrigerator maintenance along with various other services throughout Florida.

Take a look at our refrigerator repair page to find out more.