If you are anything like me, you probably would not give a second thought to proper refrigerator usage
. But I have learned my lesson since the last time I had to deal with refrigerator errors and problems. With proper usage and maintenance, you can actually avoid these problems from happening.
What is great about refrigerators is that they aren't as problem-riddled as other appliances. In fact, you can use it for years and you will experience zero issues with it. But if you want to maintain it that way, you should use the following tips:
1. Maximize the storage capacity of your fridge. If you are not storing anything inside, it consumes a lot of energy to keep the temperature even. You should organize your fridge in such a way that you are constantly maximizing its space and its efficiency.
Place your food in clear plastic containers so you can identify the contents immediately. For those items you are going to use earlier that week, store them in an area where you can easily get them. This way, you wouldn't have to rummage inside the fridge. It prevents the machine from losing a lot of cold air.
2. Leave at least 2 inches of space in between the back of the refrigerator and the wall. This will provide enough room for the expulsion of hot air. As you know, the coils of the machine are usually located at the back. These are used to emit hot are coming from inside the fridge. In order to effectively emit hot air and regulate heat inside the fridge, you should leave a lot of room in between the wall and the fridge.
3. Regularly maintain it. Clean the coils to prevent build-up of dust and cobwebs. This will encourage good circulation of air. Also get rid of the collected water in the drip pan. The drip pan is usually located at the bottom part of the machine. Remove the bottom panel and you can find the drip pan. This will prevent leaking.
Also clean the filter of the water dispenser if you are using side-by-side refrigerators. The filter tends to get smelly if it is not cleaned or replaced regularly.
4. Learn how to store your food properly. Transfer the contents of big boxes into smaller ones so they can easily fit in the compartments. Avoid storing rotten fruits and vegetables as they emit gas that can increase oxidation.
You should also avoid storing hot food. Let it cool down for a bit first before storing. The hot temperature of the food can overwork the machine.
These simple tips can effectively prolong the life of your refrigerator. You can even cut back on energy consumption if you use them.