Refrigerator Maintenance

 

Your refrigerator is plugged in 24 / 7. By making sure it’s properly cleaned and maintained you insure that it’s drawing the least amount of power and in turn, the least amount of money from your wallet. [CLICK PLAY TO LEARN MORE]  

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Money saving minute #012

Refrigerator Maintenance

According to Erin Huffstetler of about dot com, Simple maintenance and timely cleaning can greatly extend the life and efficiency of your refrigerator.

Erin says that the first step is to clean the condenser coils. Start by unplugging the fridge then locate the coils. Depending on the model that you own, the coils will either be located behind fridge or underneath. Use a vacuum and a coil cleaning brush to remove dust and pet hair from the coils and fan.

Second, Erin recommends clean the drain hole and drip pan if your model is equipped with one. Remove any food particles and mineral deposits from the drain hole according to the instructions in your owner's manual. Then, scrub out the drain pan.

Next Erin says to clean the gaskets. The gaskets on the refrigerator and freezer doors are designed to seal the cool air in and to keep the warm air out. Clean the gasket with an all-purpose cleaner or a 50 / 50 vinegar and water solution and wipe dry. To test that the gaskets are working as they should, shut a dollar bill in the door, and see if you can pull it out easily. A proper seal will create a resistance when tugging on the dollar bill.

If your refrigerator has a water dispenser, Erin recommends changing the water filter. Need a little incentive to shell out for a new filter? Then consider this: water pulled through a soiled filter is often worse than before it was filtered.

Finally, Erin says to check that your fridge is level. If your refrigerator isn't level the doors may not close on their own or may not seal as tightly as they're supposed to.

It would also be a good idea to consult your owner's manual to see if there are any additional maintenance items recommended for the model that you own. If you have trouble locating your owners manuals try a Google search. Many manufactures are posting manuals their websites.

Taking a few minutes a couple of times a year for simple maintenance like this is just one more step in keeping more of your hard earned cash in your pocket.

This has been Money Saving Minute number zero one two. Click below to share this with your friends and subscribe so that you never miss a money saving tip.