Spring is in the air, and with it comes the annual spring cleaning ritual. It’s a season for fresh starts and getting your home in tip-top shape—which ideally includes taking care of one of the most beloved and overlooked appliances in your kitchen: your refrigerator.

Regular fridge maintenance is more than just a chore; it’s a way to ensure your appliance runs smoothly, keeps your food safe, and avoids unexpected breakdowns. In this blog, we’ll explore why refrigerator maintenance is essential this spring.

Save Money and Energy

Your refrigerator is one of the hardest-working appliances in your home, running 24/7 to keep your food fresh. But did you know that neglecting its maintenance can lead to higher energy bills? Dust and debris can accumulate on your fridge’s condenser coils, making it work harder and use more energy.

A quick spring clean of these coils helps your refrigerator run more efficiently and reduces energy costs.

Avoid Costly Surprises

Think of regular refrigerator maintenance as preventive healthcare for your appliance. Just as you’d check in on your health, checking in on your fridge can prevent minor issues from turning into significant expenses. For instance, ensuring the door seals are tight and intact can keep the cold air where it belongs and prevent your fridge from overworking itself. A little attention now can save a lot of headaches (and money) down the road.

Keep Your Food Fresh and Safe

The last thing anyone wants is to reach for a snack and discover it’s spoiled. An ill-maintained fridge might struggle to keep the temperature low enough, leading to spoiled food and an increased risk of foodborne illnesses. By incorporating a few simple maintenance tasks into your spring cleaning, like setting the right temperature and keeping the interior clean, you can trust that your fridge is a haven for your groceries.

Prolong Your Fridge’s Life

Your refrigerator is an investment; like any good investment, it pays to look after it. The average fridge can last anywhere from 10 to 20 years, but this lifespan can be cut short without proper care. Simple annual maintenance can extend the life of your fridge, ensuring it continues to serve your family well for years to come.

Simple Steps for Refrigerator Maintenance

With the following tips, you can keep your refrigerator running efficiently without needing professional appliance repairs.

  • Clean the Condenser Coils: Grab a coil brush or use your vacuum’s brush attachment to remove dust and debris buildup. You’ll usually find these coils behind or beneath your fridge.
  • Inspect the Door Seals: Wipe the seals with a damp cloth to keep them clean and check for any cracks or tears. A broken seal can make your fridge work harder than it needs to.
  • Adjust the Temperature: Set your fridge to the recommended settings—usually around 37-40 degrees Fahrenheit for the fridge and 0 degrees Fahrenheit for the freezer.
  • Declutter and Clean: Give the interior a gentle wipe-down with soapy water, and try not to overcrowd your shelves. A cluttered fridge can restrict airflow and lead to cooling inconsistencies.
    • (Your refrigerator works harder when empty. When your refrigerator is empty, there’s less thermal mass inside to help maintain a cool temperature. This means that every time you open the door, more warm air enters and there’s less stored cold to counteract it, causing the refrigerator to work harder to cool down again. However, the difference in energy consumption might not be significant unless the refrigerator is frequently opened and closed. It’s still a good idea to keep your refrigerator reasonably filled to help maintain its efficiency.)

Make AAA Appliance Your Choice for Reliable Chicago Appliance Repair Services

Adding these tasks to your spring cleaning routine can significantly affect how well your refrigerator performs. And if you stumble upon an issue that’s out of your depth or just need a skilled eye, our professional service team is here to help with the highest-quality service around. Our experienced appliance repair company offers exceptional refrigerator repair services that ensure your appliance is running optimally.

  • I would suggest that we focus on that they can save money on their every savings but also have their own time by outsourcing this task (that we all know they don’t want to do), and having us do it.

From minor adjustments to major repairs, we’re equipped to handle any issue your refrigerator might face. Contact us, and let’s ensure your fridge is ready to handle another year of keeping your food perfectly chilled.