Why You Shouldn't Ignore Fridge Maintenance?
Ignoring your refrigerator's maintenance could cause components like compressors and thermostats to break down. Without regular cleaning and checks, these become more likely, leading to spoiled food and expensive repairs.
The Hidden Costs of Skipping Fridge Maintenance
We decided to write this article as we've noticed that at Repairs4U hot summers are the busiest for fridge-freezer repairs - summer means heat (yes, we know, not always in UK), and heat means that your refrigerator becomes one of the hardest working appliances in your home. And if you've been delaying that fridge clean for some time, summer is the best time to get on with it to help your refrigerator works at its best, and avoid expensive fridge repairs. Let us explain why.
How Does Summer Affect Your Fridge?
Heat Means Harder Work
During summer, the average temperature in your kitchen rises — and that means your fridge and freezer need to work extra hard to cool off. The added strain will eventually lead to the appearance of hidden issues, especially in older or not well-maintained refrigerators as the compressor runs longer, as does the thermostat, and weak components are more likely to fail.
Frequent Opening and Closing
Summer often means more family members and guests at home, and BBQs. We open the fridge door more often, and every time we do that, warm air floods in and makes the refrigerator work harder. If your appliance hasn't been regularly maintained, and isn't in peak condition, this can quickly result in breakdowns.
What Can Go Wrong?
We already published an article on common fridge problems. Here we'll highlight how the heat affects indirectly some of the components, and consequently - the whole refrigerator performance, leading to unpleasant consequences.
1. Overheating Compressors
The compressor is the heart of your fridge and- especially in hot weather, it's under constant pressure to keep your food cold. Without regular cleaning and maintenance, the compressor can overheat, which may lead to failure and the need for urgent fridge repairs.
2. Blocked or Dirty Coils
Dust and grime pile up on condenser coils over time, especially if maintenance is neglected. Dirty coils force your appliance to work harder as it is unable to release heat. In summer, this can tip an already strained or failing system and cause a breakdown.
3. Faulty Door Seals
Worn or cracked door seals allow cool air to escape, making your fridge work harder, and this becomes worse during a hot summer. As the inside temperatures rises, the fridge and freezer are forced to work more, which affects the components and the system as a whole, probably resulting in refrigerator repairs.
4. Water Leaks and Ice Build-Up
Hot weather can lead to condensation and water pooling around the base of the fridge. If the defrost drain is blocked or the evaporator fan fails, you might also notice ice building up. These are both signs that your fridge-freezer maintenance is overdue.
Signs Your Fridge Needs Immediate Attention
- Food spoils faster than usual
- The motor runs constantly or makes unusual noises
- Water is leaking underneath
- Ice is building up in the fridge or freezer section
- The fridge feels warm to the touch on the outside
- The door doesn't seal tightly
If you notice any of these signs, it's time to call a kitchen appliance repair expert before the issue becomes a serious problem.
How to Maintain Your Fridge in Summer
Here are some easy but effective steps to help keep your fridge running smoothly during the hottest months:
Clean the Coils
Pull your fridge away from the wall and clean the condenser coils with a brush or vacuum. For regular maintenance, do this every 6-12 months - more often if you don't have a kitchen extractor. This will help reduce energy use and also prevent overheating.
Check the Door Seals
You can easily find out if the seal is worn out by closing the door on a strip of paper - if it slides out easily, it needs to be replaced. This will help significantly in keeping the cool air in, and the warm air out of your fridge.
Keep It Full (But Not Overloaded)
Your fridge will retain and sustain cold better if it's full instead of empty. Just don't overload it as this will block air circulation and lead to overheating.
Set the Right Temperature
The ideal temperature in your fridge should be at or below 3°C (37°F), and your freezer at -18°C (0°F). Keep an eye and adjust the settings, if necessary.
Leave Space Around the Refrigerator
The standard ventilation requirement for built-in refrigerators is at least 200 square centimetres of space both at the top and bottom of the appliance. For free-standing fridge-freezers, you should leave a few inches of space behind, at the sides, and the top and bottom of the appliance.
Why You Shouldn't Wait for a Breakdown
Waiting until your fridge stops working would most likely mean that you'll have to pay a higher price to have it repaired. Your appliance would've notified you with various little small issues that it's time to call in a kitchen appliances repair technician before it breaks down completely. Regular cleaning and sorting out small glitches on time would ensure the fridge's longer lifespan, and that the appliance is in its peak condition at all times, especially during hot weather.
When to Call a Professional
As soon as there is an issue, and you are unable to fix it. For internal issues like faulty thermostats, defrost failures, or compressor problems, you'll need an experienced domestic appliance repair technician. If you're unsure about the condition of your refrigerator, now is the perfect time to schedule a professional inspection.
