A refrigerator is truly one of the most important household appliances. It preserves the freshness of the food, and its importance can be well understood during situations like power cuts or electricity fluctuations. Equipped with a heat pump and thermally insulated components, a refrigerator transfers heat to the external environment to maintain a cool, lower temperature internally. 

It is important to ensure that your refrigerator remains cool and effective to keep food healthy and safe to consume. This way, every time you open the fridge, you can enjoy your favourite beverage, ice cream, or any food item of its best quality. Here’s an ultimate guide to help you maintain your refrigerator and keep it running efficiently.

Learn About Your Refrigerator: Process & Functioning 

Before discussing the maintenance steps for a refrigerator, let us understand how this household essential works. All refrigerators incorporate a compressor or a pump in their circuit. This equipment enforces a relative amount of refrigerant pressure and compresses it into gas form. Then, this refrigerant gas gets condensed into a hot liquid, which passes through several condenser coils. After that, it reaches the evaporator coils or the cooling compartment for further processing. Then, the hot liquid returns to the compressor after transforming cooling down. Thus, by the process of compressing and depressurising refrigerant, the refrigerator creates cool air inside to keep food fresh.

Tips to Take Care of Your Refrigerator

Be sure to take proper care of your refrigerator to maintain its effectiveness and functionality. Here are simple yet effective tips to help you achieve this!

• Check The Temperature

Remember to check the temperature of your refrigerator. It should be between 3°C and 5°C (37.4°F and 41°F). Many people tend to set their fridge to the coldest setting, thinking it to be more effective. But in reality, it is not. Your food can lose its nutritional value if you keep the temperature lower than the suggested temperature. It can also lead to higher utility bills because the compressor’s prolonged function in case of a change in temperature can lead to higher electricity bills. 

• Maintain a Distance Between Your Fridge and the Wall

Wherever you have placed your refrigerator, in your kitchen, lobby, or dining hall, be sure not to keep it too close to the wall. Maintain a space for air circulation. This results in the dispersion of heat emitted by the fridge, keeping a cooler temperature inside. It further aids in the better working of the appliance and ensures a longer stay.

• Get Condenser Coils Inspected

As the refrigerator’s compressor or pump runs for long hours, its condenser coil produces heat. If dust or dirt gets deposited on these coils, it restricts the free flow of heat, causing the appliance to overheat. So, it is advised to get the compressor coils checked by an expert at least once a year. 

• Check & Replace The Door Gasket 

If you find it hard to close your refrigerator door, it might be time to replace its gasket. A door gasket is an elastic rubber surrounding the frame of the fridge. It is an important aspect that regulates the appliance’s efficient functioning. So, ensure the gasket is in good condition. If you find dirt on it, use a solution of mild soap and warm water and scrub it with a toothbrush or a sponge.

• Defrost Your Fridge Regularly

It is important to defrost on a regular basis, or else your refrigerator will find it difficult to maintain its cooling effect. You must defrost the freezer every time you find a quarter-inch of ice build-up inside it. This collected ice can cause additional energy consumption, resulting in spiked electricity bills. Consider buying a double door refrigerator with different compartments. It generally comes with an auto defrost feature that keeps airflow constant, preventing frost buildup.

Conclusion

Your fridge must be in pristine condition to reduce bacterial growth and, hence, minimise food spoilage. So, consider the guidelines mentioned above for maintaining the quality of your single-door refrigerator and saving yourself from high utility bills and unwanted repair costs.