subject: Keeping Your Refrigerator Cool [print this page] Have you ever reached anxiously into your refrigerator in search of a refreshingly cool juice or soda, only to find that the beverage is lukewarm at best? What about that crisp head of lettuce that wilted after only a few days in your refrigerator or that putrid milk you had to pour down the drain? If your beverages are tepid and your perishables have been rotting and spoiling faster than they should, it probably means your refrigerator has lost its cool. Before you replace it, try these tips to help keep your refrigerator cool:
1) Keep an Eye on the Temperature
The simplest way to prevent cooling problems in your refrigerator is to make sure it's set to the right temperature. If the internal temperature is too high, food bacteria will grow more quickly. Check the inside temperature with a refrigerator thermometer: the ideal temperature is between 35 and 38F (1.7 to 3.3 C). If the temperature is higher than this, adjust your refrigerator to the next lowest setting, wait a few hours for it to cool, and check it with the thermometer to make sure it has reached its preferred level of coolness.
2) Perform Routine Maintenance
Improve your refrigerator's performance with appliance repair . Have a professional clean your refrigerator coils. This procedure helps to ensure that your refrigerator is using energy efficiently as well as prevent future breakdowns by removing dirt and dust. Make sure your compressor shroud is clean and your water and air filters do not need to be replaced. Also have your repairman do routine performance checks on your evaporator fan, condenser fan, door seals, and cooling system efficiency.
3) Rethink Its Location
If problems persist then have a think about where in the kitchen your refrigerator is. Is it near any windows? Close to any ovens, stoves, or dishwashers? Is it backed up against the wall? All of these factors can cause your refrigerator to stop functioning properly by making it work harder to remain cool. For best results, keep your refrigerator away from any windows or appliances that may cause it to overheat. Allow some breathing room in between your wall and refrigerator so that hot air moves up and away from the appliance.
For refrigerators kept in other rooms of the house such as a storage area or a garage, make sure you take measures to keep the room cool--and that your refrigerator is plugged into a power source that will help it generate enough energy to operate properly.
4) Make the Switch
Thirteen years is what the experts believe that a refirgerator should be able to run at its optimal level for. That said, sometimes you have to know when to cut your losses and replace your refrigerator. Newer models are more energy efficient than ever before; just look for the "Energy Star" logo before you buy. The crucial thing to remember is that once the refrigerator is in your home, have regular inspections on it and continually check the temperature to make sure that it's the right coolness. If you don't take appropriate care of your refrigerator, or other appliances you will find yourself needing help in the form of Wolf repair or other depending on which appliance is playing up.
