Your fridge is an extremely hard-working appliance; it runs 24/7 and is expected to keep going for around 13 years, so it’s going to need a little TLC to keep it working at its best. Luckily, there are a few simple things you can do on a regular basis to keep it in good condition.

Defrost it

New fridge-freezers usually have an auto-defrost function, but if you have an older model, you’ll need to defrost it whenever ice starts to build up. If you don’t, your fridge won’t be running as efficiently as it should be, so your electricity bills will be higher and it could send your appliance to an early grave. There are a few different ways to go about defrosting it, the most common is with hot water, but you could also use a hair dryer or rubbing alcohol if the build-up isn’t too extreme.

Store food properly

Make sure all the food and drink you keep in your fridge is properly stored; it should be in appropriate containers and dated, so you can easily keep an eye on when things need to be thrown away.

Clean it

It’s important to clean your fridge on a regular basis. Whenever the shelves start to get dirty or it starts to smell a little, have a clear-out and wipe down the insides.

Check the temperature

To ensure your fridge is working optimally, you can monitor the temperature. Buy a fridge-freezer thermometer and use it to check that the fridge is no more than 5ºC in its coldest part and the freezer is between -18ºC and -22ºC.

Check the door gasket and condenser coils

Roughly every three months, inspect the door gasket and clean the condenser coils. The gasket should be clean and seal correctly when you close the door. The condenser coils can be found at the back of the fridge – you can use a brush attachment on your vacuum to remove any dust or hair from them.

Get help when you need it

Even if you attentively care for your fridge, it still might run into trouble from time to time. Common problems with fridges include leaking, over-heating, over-cooling, and excessive noise; so if your fridge is displaying any worrying symptoms, it would be best to call in a professional. At Fixzit, you can find experienced, qualified and knowledgeable Ipswich electricians, plumbers and other specialists. If you’re located in Brisbane or the surrounding area, we can take care of all your electrical, plumbing and appliance needs. Get in touch today on 1300 726 806.