Monitoring the efficiency and safety of your refrigerator is crucial as a homeowner, especially if your appliances are older and outdated or not well-maintained. Knowing how to improve your refrigerator’s safety and efficiency is extremely beneficial to extend the lifespan of your investment while protecting your household from potential hazards. With the following tips, you’ll gain peace of mind any time you inspect and maintain the refrigerator in your home.

Set Your Refrigerator’s Temperatures Correctly

If you want your refrigerator to run as efficiently as possible, you’ll need to set the right temperature for both your refrigeration and freezing components. An optimal temperature to consider using is 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below. For your freezer, a temperature of 0 degrees Fahrenheit is advisable. Monitor the temperatures of your freezer and refrigerator to ensure you’re not using too much energy or underutilizing your appliance.

Keep Your Room’s Temperature Consistent

Maintaining a consistent temperature in your kitchen and throughout your home is also helpful when managing the safety and efficiency of your refrigerator. An ideal temperature in a house is considered between 65 degrees and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid placing your refrigerator directly next to your stove, a large open window, or another heating appliance, as this can reduce its efficiency.

Clean Condenser Coils

Routinely cleaning the condenser coils of your refrigerator can significantly boost its energy efficiency by up to 30% in some instances. Condenser coils aid the refrigerator in transferring heat from the interior to the outside of the appliance itself. If lint and accumulated dust build without proper cleaning and maintenance, heat transfer becomes less efficient and can cause energy bills to spike.

Store Foods Appropriately

Storing foods properly can significantly reduce energy losses. Organizing your fridge appropriately will ensure proper airflow and maximum efficiency. Some tips to remember include:

• Don’t overcrowd individual shelves. Overcrowding any area of your refrigerator will reduce its efficiency.
• Use designated drawers to store vegetables and fruits.
• When storing food, use airtight containers to reduce moisture loss and the transfer of unwanted odors.

Minimize Door-Opening Time

Every time you open your refrigerator door, you allow warm air to enter from your surrounding space. Avoid standing with your refrigerator door open. Instead, minimize the time spent with your door open to maximize its efficiency without wasting energy.

Keeping your refrigerator running safely, smoothly, and efficiently doesn’t have to feel confusing. With a few tweaks and routine maintenance tips, you can protect and extend the longevity of the refrigerator you own. If you’re looking for professional assistance with your home’s refrigerators and freezers, we’re here to help. For those located in Chattanooga, TN, contact Signature Appliance for reliable refrigerator and freezer repair services you can count on.