In order to keep your refrigerator running optimally, there are some routine steps you must take. These tips and steps will not only ensure that your fridge is running optimally, but it will also extend its lifespan and reduce the risks of electrical shocks and other accidents. These tips and ideas will also ensure that you reduce the frequencies at which you repair the appliance. The following 5 things, you must know in order to keep your fridge safe;
Minimize grazing and Separate the Fridge from Other Appliances
The frequency of closing and opening your refrigerator is referred to as grazing. It is important that you reduce opening and closing cycles to keep the coolant from escaping from the refrigerator which means you will use less energy to keep your foods cool.
If you have enough space in your kitchen, you should consider separating your fridge from other appliances such as an oven and dishwasher. It has been discovered that the heat generated from the oven, dishwasher, stove and some other appliances will force your fridge to work harder than normal. This means your fridge’s energy usage will increase to maintain its cooling temperature and your energy bills will also increase drastically.
Inspect and Always Clean the Gasket of Your Fridge and Repair the Cord When Necessary.
Many of us only pay attention to components like extension cords and that is good. You need to pay attention to other components including the seal around the refrigerator door which is also called the door gasket. Over time the continuous opening and closing of the fridge can cause the seal or gasket to worn-out or become dirty. Make sure you turn off the fridge power before cleaning it, and make use of a sponge with warm water and soap or use a toothbrush to scrub the dirt off the gasket.
Once the cleaning is completed, you should test whether the seal is tight and in good working condition. You can conduct this test by closing the door of the fridge with a currency note half inside and half outside. If the gasket is not tight enough, then it wouldn’t hold the currency note firmly in place, and you should consider replacing the gasket as soon as you can.
Ensuring the cord is working optimally is also important. Make sure it is shorter, longer cords often create accidents when someone steps on it. Make sure any exposed part of the cord is properly concealed. This review at myhomemyglobe.com will help you to find the best refrigerator extension cords.
Avoid Putting Hot Leftover Foods in The Fridge
It makes sense to allow foods to cool down before placing them inside the fridge. When you put hot foods inside the fridge they will raise the temperature inside significantly and quickly and that means the compressor will work harder to cool down the food within.
When you allow your food to cool down to room temperature before storing in the fridge then you will take an enormous strain from the compressor. Perishable is advised to be left out of the fridge for no more than 2 hours, to protect their quality and shelf life.
The Condenser Coils Should be Vacuumed
The condenser coil of your refrigerator constantly release heat, and that makes the component to run. The condenser coils easily trap pet hair, dust and other particles within and these items can lead to condenser system overheating. Continuous overheating of the condenser will eventually lead to system breakdown and that also means the refrigerator wouldn’t be able to keep the food cool.
Depending on the type of refrigerator you are using, you should be able to access the condenser coils from the back especially when you pull the refrigerator away from the wall. You may also access the condenser from the front bottom of the fridge by removing the grill.
Once you access the condenser coils, you should make use of a bristle brush or a vacuum to clean the coils. You should consider vacuuming the condenser coils regularly once in every two months if you have a pet that sheds its hair frequently.
Always Cover Your Food to Reduce the Excess Moisture
It is quite easy to be tempted to place food inside the fridge without any covering. It is important to transfer your cooked chicken or any other food for that matter into a covered container before storing in the fridge.
If your food is always uncovered, then the moisture in the food will be released into the air which will make the fridge to work extra hard to keep the food dry. Covering your food before putting it in the fridge will also ensure that it doesn’t get too dry inside the fridge.
Conclusion
There are several other steps you need to take when it comes to keeping your fridge safe. For instance, experts recommend that you don’t keep the temperature in the fridge too low. You should avoid keeping temperatures cooler than 40F degree, and as a matter of fact, you should always keep temperatures within the refrigerator at between 0 and 40F degrees.
You may be thinking that keeping your refrigerator at temperatures lower than 40F degree will make your food last longer but don’t forget that the appliance will consume more energy and the compressor will even run longer than necessary. when your fridge’s compressor runs longer than necessary, the refrigerator will wear out faster and you will have to replace it sooner or later.
It is also important that you carry out an inspection on your refrigerator constantly to ensure that all faults are detected in a timely manner and necessary repairs are carried out.
If you are choosing a fridge for the first time, you should consult expert technicians to help you choose the best energy-efficient refrigerator that is automated to adjust temperatures based on the needs of the foods kept inside.
Energy-saving fridges can save you money in the long run because your costs on energy will be greatly reduced. If you have a water dispenser or an ice maker in your refrigerator, you need to change the filter regularly. To check if you need to change your refrigerator filter, read more here.
