1. Clean the condenser coils
This is probably the most important thing you can do to maintain your fridge. If the condenser coils (located at the back or bottom of a fridge) are covered in dust and dirt, it will cause the compressor to run hotter than it usually would. This extra strain on the compressor will dramatically reduce your fridge’s life span.
2. Save energy
To do your bit in looking after the planet, buy appliances that are energy-efficient and ecofriendly. A model such as LG’s Linear Compressor fridge is almost twice as energy-efficient as a regular fridge, and has the same positive impact on the environment as planting 16 trees. Plus, by going green you’ll also see a significant drop in your electricity bill.
3. Keep it consistent
When it comes to fridges, the general rule of thumb is to keep the temperature consistent. So, in order to keep food from spoiling, temperature monitoring is essential. In hot weather, you may need to reduce the fridge temperature. If buying a new fridge, look for models that contain a temperature balance system and maximum cooling feature for hot and humid environments.
4. Shut the door
When you open the fridge door, warm air comes in and cold air goes out. Obviously, you will need to open the fridge door to get out what you need, but you can control how long the door stays open for. An alert function can let you know when you accidentally leave the door open.
5. Compartmentalise
Because foods can contaminate one another, you should have specific compartments for each food, or else you might be having to chuck away a number of foods because of one spoiled item.
6. Defrost
Modern fridges have a self-defrosting function that will automatically remove any frost. It’s important to note that frost should never be thicker than 1,3cm, otherwise you could have a chilly problem on your hands. A freezer compartment clogged with ice operates far less efficiently and uses more electricity.
7. Clean the inside of your fridge
In order to prevent bacteria from growing inside your fridge, you should immediately clean any spills, and ensure that shelves and drawers are wiped down weekly.
8. Put meat in the freezer
Meat should be frozen on the day of purchase to prevent it from spoiling. If you’re not going to use meat the same week you purchased it, make sure it’s stored in the freezer to keep it at its freshest. Also, keep the meat in its original packaging to avoid exposing it to air, which is what begins the spoiling process.
9. Watch out for rattles and loud noises
A rattling noise could indicate a major problem, or signal that your fridge needs a minor adjustment.
10. Replace an old fridge
If your fridge is 20 years old, consider buying a new one. Older fridges can use up to three times more energy than newer ones and the coils deteriorate over time.
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