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Refrigerator Maintenance: 2 Helpful Tips

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Refrigerators are only of the few truly indispensable household appliances. Not only that, but they're one of the most expensive as well. Therefore, it pays to keep your fridge in strong running condition. If you would like to learn more about home appliance maintenance, read on. This article will offer two cool tips for keeping your fridge at peak performance. 

Change the water filter regularly.

A large number of the refrigerators being produced today come equipped with a handy water dispenser. This makes enjoying a chilled glass of drinking water about as easy as can be. Yet unless you change your filter on a regular basis, you may end up with water that tastes noticeably "off." It is recommended that you install a new filter once every 6 months.

In some cases, you may need a new filter even sooner than this. Consider replacing your filter if you notice symptoms such as:

  • strange odors or tastes
  • visible particulate matter
  • water does not dispense at normal speed

When changing your refrigerator's water filter for the first time, be aware that there are two distinct styles of filter: twist-ons and push-ins. Check your owner's manual to determine which style your fridge has--as well as where it is located on the machine. Most filters can be found either on the back or alongside the bottom of the fridge.

Promote energy efficiency defrosting the freezer.

As you've probably noticed before, ice tends to build up inside of the freezer over time. Unless you happen to own a self-defrosting refrigerator, this is a normal--if annoying--process. Yet it is important to know that a thick coating of ice increases the energy demands on your refrigerator. Not only that, but it takes up valuable freezer space. 

The first step in defrosting a freezer is to relocate all of the food items to an ice-filled cooler. Note that you might want to empty out the fridge as well, since you'll be cutting power to the whole unit. Once you've unplugged the refrigerator, the next step is to melt that excess freezer ice. If you don't want to wait around all day for this to happen naturally, there are a few ways that you can speed the process up:

  • with a hairdryer
  • by placing a fan so as to increase air circulation
  • putting containers of hot water in the freezer
  • wiping down the walls using a hot dishcloth

Once you've successfully cleared out the ice, simply plug the refrigerator back in and restock it with your food. Congratulations, your fridge should now be running at peak condition once more!

For further assistance, contact a local appliance repair shop, such as Sutton & Son Appliances.


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