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What routine maintenance does my refrigerator need?

less than a minute readApr 20Lyle Weischwill
image of gas-pressure-washer

Routine maintenance helps your refrigerator run more smoothly, so it uses less energy. Clean the condenser coils regularly to help the sealed system cool down the refrigerator efficiently. The compressor won't run as frequently if you keep those condenser coils clean. Adjust the refrigerator door to prevent air leaks into the refrigerator and freezer compartments. Air leaks cause frost buildup on the evaporator, which interrupts airflow and causes cooling problems.

Routine maintenance can also help prevent odor problems. Clean the inside of the refrigerator so spills don't build up and cause smells. Adding an air filter also can reduce refrigerator smells. Clean the drain pan under the refrigerator regularly because that pan can attract bugs or residue that causes odors.


These repairs may help solve your gas-pressure-washer problem

JC REF Clean-the-refrigerator-condenser-coils

Clean the refrigerator condenser coils

Dust-covered refrigerator coils can prevent the refrigerator and freezer from running efficiently and cooling properly. Follow the instructions in your owner's manual for cleaning the condenser coils. Unplug the refrigerator before accessing and cleaning the coils. On most refrigerators, the coils are behind the bottom front grill. Clean the condenser coils with a coil brush.

Clean the refrigerator condenser coils

Find the required part specific to your product.
Jul 20
By Lyle Weischwill
How to clean refrigerator condenser coils

Does the ice cream in your freezer seem too soft or the beverages in your refrigerator not cold enou…

Repair time and Difficulty

 15 minutes or less
JC-REF-Adjust-the-freezer-or-refrigerator-door

Adjust the freezer or refrigerator door

The refrigerator or freezer doors swing on hinges that can be damaged or bent. Over time, the doors may begin to sag, allowing warm moist air into the refrigerator or freezer door that creates excessive frost that can eventually cause the drain tube to freeze. This refrigerator repair involves adjusting or repairing the hinges so that the doors work properly and stay aligned.

Adjust the freezer or refrigerator door

Find the required part specific to your product.
JC-REF-Clean-the-refrigerator-drain-pan

Clean the refrigerator drain pan

As part of the refrigerator's defrost cycle, the fridge drain pan collects condensate water that melts from the evaporator fins, collects in the evaporator drip tray below the evaporator and then flows through the defrost drain tube to the drain pan in the machine compartment next to the compressor. The drain pan can sometimes form mildew or collect insects. This repair involves accessing and cleaning the drain pan.

Clean the refrigerator drain pan

Find the required part specific to your product.