Housewares and appliances are two things that we all rely on in every day living but they are also some of the most expensive things to replace. Proper care and maintenance of these items can save you tons of unnecessary expenses. Here are 10 tips on how to extend the life of your refridgerator.
1. Ship refrigerators upright. If you order a new fridge or need to move, ensure it is shipped in the upright. By placing the refrigerator on the side, you risk causing a Freon leak which in turn prevents the cooling function from working. If a refridgerator is placed on it's back, you risk damaging the coils which are key to running the compressor.
2. Put your fridge in a place that is clear from heat sources or on anything that could restrict air flow like carpet. This will prevent the unit from over heating.
3. Don't use an extension cord. Always plug your refridgerator directly into the wall. This will prevent your from burning out your compressor.
4. When leaving for vacation or a long trip, discard perishable food and turn off the ice maker if you have one.
5. Don't stuff your fridge. If you fridge is too full, cold air cannot circulate properly and your fridge will not be able to regulate the temperature of your food.
6. Cover all exposed foods. Also remember to clean up spills immediately so food does spread into areas where you can't get it out. Both of these things will prevent any permanent odours from settling in.
7. Clean the refrigerator regularly. Take out all of the food and removable interior parts. Wash with a mild soap or baking soda and rinse all areas with warm water. Wipe everything dry.
8. Clean your condenser coils twice a year. By brushing off any dust or build up, you prevent the fridge from over heating.
9. Clean the seals regularly. Use warm water and a mild detergent. This will prevent mold from growing.
10. Sweep or vacuum up dust and other particles under and around your refrigerator to promote good airflow and temperature.
By following these simple tips, you can prolong the life of unit and avoid many costly repairs.
So what do you do to extend the life of your appliances? How have you saved money on repairs? Post your comments here.
Miss T has written 579 articles on this blog. Hi, I am Miss T and I am the owner and head writer of PrairieEcoThrifter. Each and every day I am working to live a money savvy, healthy, and green life.While you're here, consider signing up for the RSS feed or email subscription . Both deliver the latest articles directly to you everyday. Have a Twitter , Facebook, Reddit, Stumble Upon, or Digg account? Then follow me for all of the latest posts or to send any comments or questions.
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