How to reclaim your old refrigerator
If you think that a fridge just needs to be cleaned of spills, you couldn’t be further from reality. In fact, refrigerators are the most expensive and commonly used appliances in all households. Whether you get your appliances on rent or as a permanent addition here are a few tip to keep it in working conditions for the years to come by.
Clean the condenser coils
Condenser coils have to be cleaned twice a year to make sure the refrigerator can cool properly. They’re the large, radiator-like coils located at the back or beneath it that are responsible for removing heat from refrigerators and freezers. When dust and dirt cling to the coils, it’s harder for the refrigerator to remove heat. This increases energy consumption. Without regular cleaning, this can lead to problems and costly repairs. Use a long-handled bristle brush and a vacuum to easily and efficiently clean off the coils.
If the coils are located on the bottom of the fridge, clean the condenser fan and the area around it. (Fridges with coils on the back don't have a fan.) The fan circulates air across the coils to help cool them. At times, paper, dirt, dust and even mice can get sucked into the fan and bring it to a complete stop.
Clean and replace the gasket (rubber door seal)
The gasket is the rubber seal that outlines your refrigerator and freezer doors. It has the critical job of sealing out warm air. Clean it periodically with a universal cleaner. Over time, gaskets wear and no longer seal the way refrigerators and freezers need to operate efficiently hence they need to be replaced. It’s common for gaskets to weaken, loosen and tear within just a few years. When this happens, warm air enters the interior of the refrigerator or freezer, making it work harder to remove the heat. That means more energy consumed and higher bills for you.
Clean the interior
Use a cloth dampened by warm water to wipe down and remove crumbs and spills from shelves and walls every month. An all-purpose cleaner will make the job easier and take on stains and sticky spills without a lot of elbow grease. You can also use a cleaner on doors and handles. Little vents on frost-free fridges allow air to circulate in the freezer. Don't block them or let crumbs or twist ties get sucked in around the evaporator fan or clog the drain tube. To help save energy, keep your freezer about three-fourth full to retain cold air. But make sure there is enough space for the air to circulate.
Deodorize the refrigerator
Freshen and remove odours with a deodorizer or baking soda to keep it fresh and prevent food from smelling odd.
Set the right temperature.
Keep the fridge between 37 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit and the freezer at 0 degrees. Refrigerators need “thermal mass” (lots of stuff) to maintain low temperatures. Cool foods and drinks help absorb warm air that streams in when you open the door. If you’re the eat-out type or your fridge is too big for your needs, store a few jugs of water in there.
