Refrigerators are designed to last for a very long time. This is why you get models with warranties for more than 10 years in the market today. If you want to avoid spending a lot for Anchorage appliance repair, you should take good care of your refrigerator.
There are some simple maintenance tips that you can follow, which will help you a lot.
Clean and Replace the Gasket
The gasket seal that runs all-round the freezer and refrigerator door is one of the most ignored parts of the fridge. Its main role is to keep warm air away from the interior. You should get an appropriate cleaner and clean it from time to time. If you do not take good care of the gasket, it will eventually get worn out, and won’t work properly. The good thing is that even if your gasket gets damaged, it’s not expensive to replace.
Clean Off the Condenser Coils
When was the last time you had your condenser coils cleaned? It’s advisable that you clean them two times a year. The role of the condenser is to remove heat from the refrigeration unit. These coils are located behind the refrigerator. If there’s a lot of dust on the coils, it’s not easy for them to perform optimally. Your refrigerator will, in the long run, consume more energy.
Defrost
When you notice frosting in the freezer, turn the refrigerator off, especially if the frost is at least half an inch thick. Remove the food and give the frost time to melt away. Once that’s done, you can clean the fridge and then turn it back on.
For those who have self-defrosting refrigerators, this is not necessary. They are programmed to defrost automatically every 6 – 8 hours. The melted water will then drain to the bottom of the refrigerator and evaporate. It’s, however, wise to clean the draining pan so that bacteria and odor do not grow.
Deodorize
There are deodorizers that are specifically designed for refrigerators. Most of these products are more effective than baking soda by up to 50 times in removing food odor from the refrigerator. Besides, you can use them for up to half a year before getting another.
Clean the Interior
Most people do not really take their time to clean the inside of the refrigerator. Dirt eventually accumulates, and you will end up spending more on appliance repair Anchorage services. You should take you time every week and clean the unit. Dampen a washcloth in warm water and use it to wipe away the spills and crumbs especially from the walls and the shelves.
There are a lot of good all-purpose cleaners in the market that can make your work easier. They will remove sticky spills and stains without applying a lot of effort. The cleaners are also recommended for handles and doors.
Take extra precaution to seal in odor by using airtight containers. They will keep your food fresh for a very long time. In case you have anything in the refrigerator that leaks, set it on a tin or plate before putting in the refrigerator.