Refrigerator: What routine maintenance does my refrigerator need?
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 REFRIGERATOR PROBLEM
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
How to clean refrigerator condenser coils
Does the ice cream in your freezer seem too soft or the beverages in your refrigerator not cold enough? It could be the condenser coils need to be cleaned. This DIY repair guide shows how to clean the refrigerator condenser coils in 4 easy steps.
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
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
Symptoms common to all refrigerators
Repair guides common to all refrigerators
Help your refrigerator run more efficiently by cleaning the condenser coils. It's easy and takes just a few minutes.
Replace the water valve that feeds water to the ice maker and water dispenser if it no longer controls the flow of water.
If the temperature in your refrigerator doesn't match the temperature you set, the problem could be the temperature control board—a service technician can give you a definite diagnosis. If the board is at fault, follow these steps to replace it yourself.
Articles and videos common to all refrigerators
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Learn how to fix a broken evaporator fan