Being an inherent part of the smooth daily functioning of a household, the regular maintenance requirements of a refrigerator often tend to be overlooked. While this might not have any immediate impact on the regular functioning of the refrigerator, preventive maintenance can surely help extend its lifespan. Along with that, careful usage of the refrigerator can also contribute to savings on energy bills. In this article, we will familiarise you with some preventive maintenance and energy saving tips to keep your refrigerator in the best of health.
See also: A guide to AC servicing and maintenance
Preventive maintenance tips
Clean the condenser coils
The condenser coil is the part of the refrigerator that helps dissipate the heat. Due to the accumulation of dust and debris over time, it can become difficult to ensure adequate cooling. To keep the coils clean, simply locate them at the back or underneath the fridge, unplug the unit and remove the dust with a vacuum cleaner or coil brush. It is recommended to do this exercise at least once every 6 – 12 months.
Check door seals
The rubber gasket around the inside of the refrigerator door ensures an airtight seal. If damaged, these can allow cold air to escape, making the fridge’s work harder. So to ensure optimal grip, keep the gaskets free from dirt by cleaning with a mild detergent and damp cloth. If you notice that the gasket is cracked, brittle or loose, it is best to replace them to maintain efficiency.
Defrost regularly (for manual only)
If your refrigerator is manually defrosted, the accumulation of ice on the walls of the freezer can be a common issue that reduces cooling efficiency. As soon as you notice the thickness of the ice to exceed ¼ inch, defrost the unit by unplugging the fridge and letting the ice melt naturally. You can consider speeding up the process by placing bowls of hot water inside, but using sharp objects to thaw the accumulated ice should be avoided at all costs.
Maintain proper temperature settings
The ideal temperature setting for the fridge compartment should be 3 – 4°C and the freezer should be at -18°C. Maintaining these settings consistently provides a balance between energy efficiency and food preservation and avoids making the fridge colder than necessary.
Inspect and replace water filter
If your fridge has the feature of dispensing water or making ice, the filter that removes the impurities from the water can get clogged over time, impacting its performance and reducing water flow. To ensure clean water and ice, make sure to replace the filter every 6 months or as specified by the manufacturer.
Ensure proper airflow inside
Overloading the fridge might block the vents and impede airflow, causing uneven cooling and unnecessary strain on the compressor. It is always recommended to keep the refrigerator only moderately stocked, with no items placed directly in front of the vents to ensure optimal airflow.
Keep the drip pan and drain line clean
The drip pan is responsible for collecting condensation and tends to develop mould or unpleasant odours if not cleaned properly. It needs to be periodically removed and washed with warm, soapy water to avoid this. Alongside this, the drain line leading to the pan might develop clogs that cause leaks. Clear any such blockages regularly using a pope cleaner or a thin brush.
Level the refrigerator
A properly levelled refrigerator ensures tightly closed doors and less strain on the compressor. Check the alignment of the refrigerator using a bubble level and adjust the legs or wheels as required. The best position is to keep it tilted slightly backwards so the doors close automatically when slightly ajar.
Energy-saving tips
Position away from heat sources
Direct exposure to heat increases the compressor’s workload, leading to greater energy consumption. Therefore, it is best to avoid placing the refrigerator near heat-emitting appliances like ovens, dishwashers or direct sunlight. For optimal performance, place the unit is a cool, shaded area.
Allow for ventilation
For efficient dissipation of heat, refrigerators need to allow proper airflow. This can be ensured by maintaining at least 2 -3 inches of space between the fridge and walls or cabinets to prevent overheating and facilitate efficient cooling.
Cool food before storing
Directly placing hot or warm food in the fridge without allowing it to reach room temperature forces the unit to work harder to lower the temperature, so it is recommended to let leftovers cool down a little before refrigerating them. Also, do not forget to cover the food to prevent moisture from escaping and causing frost buildup.
Keep doors close
Each time you open the fridge door, you allow some cold air to escape. This makes the work of the compressor harder and impacts efficient cooling of the interior. Make sure to plan beforehand what you need before opening the door and avoid leaving it open for extended periods.
Use energy-saving mode
Many new models of refrigerators come with a built-in energy-saving or vacation mode. In situations that require you to be away from home for extended periods or whenever the fridge isn’t heavily loaded, you can activate this setting as it considerably reduces power consumption.
Defrost frozen items
When you place frozen items in the fridge to thaw, cold air is released, helping the refrigerator to keep its temperature stable without much work or energy consumption, making it an easy way to maximise cooling efficiency.
Check and adjust thermostat settings
Setting the fridge temperature lower than recommended doesn’t really serve any practical cooling purpose. In fact, it only increases the energy consumption. Therefore, it is better to verify and adjust the thermostat settings regularly to maintain the optimal temperature range.
Upgrade to an energy-efficient model
As compared to modern star certified models, older refrigerators tend to consume more energy. If your unit is more than 10 – 15 years old, you can consider replacing it with a newer model that consumes up to 40% less energy. While the upfront cost might be high, this long-term investment is sure to bring favorable returns in the form of lower energy bills and improved performance.
FAQs
How can I reduce the energy consumption of my refrigerator?
To reduce energy consumption, set the thermostat to the recommended temperature, ensure tight door seals, keep away from heat source, allow proper airflow and avoid overloading.
Is it better to keep the refrigerator full or empty to save energy?
A moderately full refrigerator is better than an empty one as it helps maintain consistent temperatures without much work on the part of the compressor.
How often should I clean the condenser coils for energy efficiency?
While it is recommended to clean the condenser coils every 6 - 12 months, you should do it more often in dust-prone regions.
Does leaving the refrigerator door open for too long waste energy?
Keeping the door open for extended periods allows cold air to escape, making it harder for the compressor to restore internal temperature.
Should I unplug my refrigerator when going on a vacation?
If you’ll be away for long, it is recommended to unplug it, empty it out and clean it and leave the doors slightly open to prevent mould and odours.
Does placing hot food in the refrigerator increase energy use?
Hot food raises the internal temperature of the fridge, making it work harder to cool down and causing unnecessary strain on the appliance.
Is upgrading to an energy star model worth it?
Energy star-certified models use up to 40% less energy than older models, resulting in significant savings on energy bills.
| Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com |
