Summer Can Be Tough on Your Refrigerator

The kids are home from school. It's hot outside, and they're in and out of the refrigerator all day long. Why? The refrigerator has the same contents now that it did fifteen minutes ago. Then they keep the door open while they stare inside. What are they doing – taking inventory? When they finally close the door, teenagers seem to think they need to be especially forceful in slamming appliance doors shut.

What does this mean for your refrigerator?

• Every time your refrigerator door is opened cold air goes out, and the interior temperature of the refrigerator goes up.
• Your refrigerator must run longer to reach and maintain the proper temperature.
• Repeated opening and closing of refrigerator doors, causes wear on the hinges and of course, the latch itself.

It all adds up to more energy usage, more wear and tear, and shorter refrigerator life.

What can you do?

• Set a good example yourself.
• Make rules. Set times that the kids aren't allowed in the kitchen, or at least not allowed in the fridge.
• Set out some fruit and snacks so they don't need to open the refrigerator.

Here are some tips to maintaining your refrigerator in the summer:

1. If your refrigerator has coils that need cleaning, be sure to keep them clean by brushing the dust off the coils. You may need a special brush to reach the coils. If so, visit your local appliance parts company, or order online from the refrigerator manufacturer.

   

2. Many refrigerators have a vacation mode. Engage the vacation mode before your leave on vacation. Don't forget to go back to normal operation when you return.

3. If you are going on a long vacation, consider saving up empty gallon or half gallon containers. Fill them with water and put them in the refrigerator before leaving. When the containers get cool they'll help keep the refrigerator cool and it will not need to work as hard.

4. Turn off your ice maker while you are on vacation.

Remember, when it's time to replace your refrigerator call or visit the experts at Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center.