Tips to Make Your Refrigerator Cool During Summer and to Prevent it from Breaking Down!

It’s June in Houston, and you know what that means. It’s Hot, Hot, Hace Calor in Htown, and we have seen triple digits sweltering heat the last five days! We must worry about our air conditioning unit overworking, or when to walk our furry canine friends so they stay hydrated and stay hydrated. We also have to worry about our refrigerator overworking and breaking down.

Regardless of the brand, our refrigerators will work extra hard during this season to maintain a cool temperature, which consumes more energy, and inefficient operation can increase the energy bill.

When outside temperatures increase, refrigerators stress and function harder, leading to high energy costs. Besides urging family members to utilize the fridge judiciously, there are other ways to keep the refrigerator efficient in keeping food fresh. Refrigerators should maintain a temperature between 35 and 38 degrees Fahrenheit, and the freezer should be at 0 degrees. Nevertheless, setting too high jeopardizes the food, while a lower temperature wastes energy. You could use an appliance thermometer if your refrigerator doesn’t have a built-in thermometer. The U.S. Department of Energy and Agriculture provides some additional fridge maintenance tips.

Inspect and examine the refrigerator seal for any defects or leaks.

Every refrigerator has a seal or gasket that creates an airtight barrier for proper cooling. If the seal has gaps, the fridge will lose its cooling capacity. To test the seal’s effectiveness, close the door while holding a piece of paper between the door and the refrigerator. Then, try pulling the paper. If it slips off the door quickly, it’s time to replace the gasket. Before returning it, check for obstructions that might be limiting the seal. If you need a quick fix, applying a thin layer of Vaseline on the seal section that isn’t providing enough seal should help in the interim.

Inspect the coils for dust buildup.

The condenser coils, the key to refrigerator cooling, are located at the back. Over time, dust or dirt can gather upon them, impeding functioning. This is especially true for pet owners or those with dusty environments. Modern refrigerators clean the coils automatically, but older models require manual cleaning. A vacuum attachment suffices, or a special brush can be purchased to clean.

Maintaining a well-stocked fridge is a key.

Myth: A fridge may need to work harder if you put more food in it. This is incorrect, and in fact, the exact opposite is true. A well-stocked refrigerator uses less energy compared to an almost empty fridge. Of course, it would be crazy to buy a load of food you cannot eat or stock up on before going on a summer vacation. If you want to keep the fridge full and don’t want to buy more food, fill up the empty spaces with pitchers of water instead.

Adjust the optimal temperature setting.

Maintaining safe food storage doesn’t mean sacrificing high energy costs. Ensure optimized temperatures by setting the fridge between 35 to 38 degrees while aiming for 0 to 5 degrees in the freezer.

Maintaining the correct temperature in both compartments ensures optimal performance and energy efficiency while keeping your food fresh and safe to consume.

Replace the water filter.

It’s important to regularly replace your refrigerator’s water filter to maintain optimal performance. Most modern models can rely on the filter indicator to alert you when it’s time for a change. Otherwise, the owner’s manual should guide when to replace the filter.

Remember to swap out the filter twice a year for the best results. A clean filter equals clean water and more efficient ice-making.

If the summer heat is causing your refrigerator to sputter, it may be time for an upgrade. Check out our wide selection of models, makes, and brands at Danny’s Appliance, or speak with one of our home appliance experts to address any repair needs.

Let’s keep it clean.

The front grill should be kept free of dust and lint to permit unrestricted airflow to the condenser. Clean the condenser coil with a brush or vacuum cleaner several times a year to remove dirt, lint, or other accumulations to ensure top performance.

Allow Some Spacing. 

Ensure your refrigerator isn’t pushed against a wall so air can circulate freely and better disperse heat from the condenser. Leave a few inches between the wall and the fridge.

Keep The Fridge Airtight. 

Over time, gaskets and seals can become leaky. To test your door, hold a piece of paper or a dollar bill on the door frame and close the door. The seal or gasket may need replacing if you can pull it out quickly.

Cover Your Food.

Cover liquids and wrap foods before storing them. Uncovered food and beverages release moisture into the unit, making the compressor work harder.

Don’t forget to keep an eye on the door storage! 

 The temperature of the storage bins in the door fluctuates more than the temperature in the cabinet, so don’t store perishable foods in the door. Eggs should be stored in a carton on a shelf.

Don’t overload your refrigerator.

Adding too many room-temperature items, such as cans of soda or bottles of juice, causes your refrigerator to work harder at cooling. Just add enough to cover your needs for a day or two.

Defrost, Defrost, Defrost! 

One helpful tip to keep your refrigerator functioning at an optimal peak is frequently check the frost buildup in a manual defrost system. If the frost buildup exceeds one-quarter of an inch, it can hamper the refrigerator’s ability to maintain proper temperature levels. By keeping the frost accumulation to a minimum and defrosting when necessary, you can extend the life of your appliance and reduce the risk of spoilage.

In the blistering Houston summer, keeping our refrigerators operating efficiently and preventing energy waste is paramount. There are proven practices to help achieve those goals. Ensuring proper temperature levels, inspecting seals and coils, and maintaining a well-stocked fridge are all essential factors. Additionally, regularly replacing the water filter and keeping the appliance clean is crucial in extending a fridge’s longevity. Also, proper spacing, ensuring airtight seals, covering food, and avoiding overloading the fridge can help too. Lastly, remember to defrost regularly to optimize performance and lower the risk of spoilage. Appliance Cowboys offers refrigerator repair in Houston and Greater Houston Metro. Call us, text, chat on FB Messenger, or fill out our online form for all your appliance repair needs at (713) 391- 4475.