One appliance necessary in every home is the refrigerator. It stores food and keeps it fresh for a long time. Medicines and beauty products also benefit from the cold temperature inside the fridge, making it one of the most important pieces inside the house. This investment can also be expensive, so make sure that you properly care for it to maximize its performance.
What You Should Know About Your Refrigerator
The lifespan of a refrigerator depends on the brand and model you purchase. On average, a compact refrigerator can last for about 14 years, while standard refrigerators can serve up to 17. Still, the most significant influence on its lifespan is how well the owner takes care of it.
How to Prolong the Lifespan of Your Refrigerator
Luckily, there are ways to extend the lifespan of your refrigerator. If you want your investment to last a long time, here are the easy things you can explore.
Tip 1: Have a Regular Schedule for Cleaning the Fridge and Freezer
Refrigerators store all sorts of food, including perishable items. Regularly cleaning them would prevent any build-up of mold and spillage in these perishable goods. It would also eliminate foul odors and bacteria.
Forgetting to do this might make your refrigerator a breeding ground for bacteria, possibly contaminating your food and risking the health of everyone in the house. Give it a quick wipe whenever you can. Scheduling a thorough cleaning once every month and defrosting the freezer as often as needed would prevent problems later.
Here are the things you should keep in mind when cleaning the freezer:
- Unplug the refrigerator first.
- Remove all items.
- Get a baking soda and wipe the whole freezer first.
- Rinse it using a clean cloth and clean water.
To keep your refrigerator smelling good, putting a small bowl filled with lime and vinegar inside for one whole day can keep it smelling fresh.
Tip 2: Do Not Place It Near Anything Hot
Your refrigerator’s location is also crucial to its lifespan. Ensure that no heat is near it, whether it is direct heat from the sun or other appliances. When there is heat right next to the refrigerator, it could make the condenser overheat, shortening its lifespan.
Tip 3: Clear Up the Condenser Coil
The condenser coil refers to the metal thing you see at the back of the refrigerator. Since it is placed outside, it is prone to getting all the dust, grime, and dirt. When the coils get clogged by dirt and debris, they cannot efficiently release heat. The condenser would have to work harder, resulting in higher electricity bills and a shorter lifespan.
Clean it as needed or twice a year. You can use a vacuum with a soft brush attachment for more in-depth cleaning.
Tip 4: Only Use the Right Temperature
Lowering the temperature of your refrigerator can be tempting sometimes, but it is not the best for your appliance. When you lower the temperature than recommended, your refrigerator will start to work harder again than it should. Stick to what the manufacturer instructed.
Tip 5: Make Sure There Is Enough Space in Between Items Inside
Never overload your fridge with items. Doing so would cover its air vents and reduce air circulation. When there is no proper ventilation inside, it could trigger your compressor’s on and off mode.
Also, keep the top of the fridge clear of any items. Putting items on the topmost shelf could trap air and affect the fridge’s cooling performance.
Conclusion
How you use the fridge could influence how long your refrigerator lasts in your household. Learning how it works can help you prolong its lifespan. You can start with these five steps and ensure everyone in the house knows about them. Those are the simple ways how you can make the most out of this investment.
Do you need to buy a new refrigerator soon? You can shop for varied fridge options at AllSouth Appliance Group, Inc. We are one of the trusted appliance stores in Birmingham that could provide you with what you need, no matter what budget you have. We have a wide range of appliances with many stocks ready for pick up or delivery.
