The Refrigerator Maintenance Task Most Homeowners Never Think About

Your refrigerator runs 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Yet many homeowners never think about maintaining it until it stops cooling.

Depending on the refrigerator’s design, condenser coils or other heat-exchange surfaces help the appliance release heat generated during refrigeration. When accessible coils become coated with dust, pet hair, and household debris, the refrigerator may have greater difficulty dissipating heat efficiently.

Not every modern refrigerator has homeowner-accessible condenser coils, and designs vary considerably. That’s why the owner’s manual should be your starting point.

If your manufacturer recommends periodic condenser cleaning, the procedure generally involves safely disconnecting power and accessing the appropriate area as directed by the manufacturer. A suitable vacuum attachment or coil-cleaning brush may then be used to remove accumulated debris.

This isn’t a place for improvisation. Don’t remove panels or access components the manufacturer doesn’t identify as homeowner-serviceable.

While you’re thinking about the refrigerator, check a few other simple items.
· Do the door gaskets seal properly?
· Is the refrigerator maintaining an appropriate temperature?
· Is there moisture around the appliance or water supply connection?
· If it has an ice maker, when was the supply line last observed?

Refrigerators are expensive appliances, but when something goes wrong, they can also have consequences: spoiled food, leaking water, and possible flooring damage. A little attention is worthwhile.

Homeowner Tip

Find your refrigerator’s model number and download or keep its owner’s manual. Determine whether the manufacturer recommends condenser cleaning and where the homeowner-accessible components are located.

A refrigerator thermometer is also an inexpensive way to confirm that the appliance is
maintaining the appropriate temperature.

Concierge Connection
Depending on the appliance and the manufacturer’s instructions, Hoosier Home Watch Service’s Concierge Services can assist with or coordinate routine maintenance at the homeowner level.

The Little Things Matter.
Hoosier Home Watch Service’s Concierge Services can complete or coordinate many routine home maintenance tasks. Whether you’re traveling, managing a second home, or prefer to spend your weekends enjoying life rather than tackling household chores, we’re here to help.

Small maintenance today can help prevent expensive repairs tomorrow.