Your refrigerator is one of the hardest-working appliances in your home, running 24/7 to keep your food fresh and safe. With proper care and maintenance, a quality refrigerator can last 15-20 years or more. However, neglect can significantly shorten its lifespan and lead to costly repairs or premature replacement.
As Brooklyn and Manhattan's trusted appliance repair specialists, SparkPoint has serviced thousands of refrigerators. Here are our proven tips to help you maximize your refrigerator's lifespan and keep it running efficiently.
Essential Maintenance Tasks
Keep your refrigerator at 37-40°F and freezer at 0-5°F for optimal performance and food safety.
- Use a refrigerator thermometer to verify temperatures
- Adjust settings seasonally as room temperature changes
- Don't set temperatures too low - it wastes energy and can freeze food
- Check temperature after power outages or extended door openings
Dirty condenser coils make your refrigerator work harder and use more energy.
- Clean coils every 6 months using a coil brush or vacuum
- Unplug refrigerator before cleaning coils
- Remove dust and pet hair from vents and grilles
- Keep area around refrigerator clear for proper airflow
Proper organization improves efficiency and prevents overworking the compressor.
- Allow air to circulate around food items
- Don't block air vents inside the refrigerator
- Keep refrigerator 75% full for optimal efficiency
- Store items in appropriate zones (crisper drawers, door shelves)
Additional Best Practices
Signs Your Refrigerator Needs Attention
Even with proper maintenance, refrigerators can develop problems. Watch for these warning signs:
- • Temperature fluctuations or inability to maintain proper temperature
- • Excessive frost buildup in freezer
- • Water pooling inside or around the refrigerator
- • Unusual noises like grinding, clicking, or humming
- • Higher than normal energy bills
- • Food spoiling faster than usual
Professional Refrigerator Service in NYC
While regular maintenance can prevent many problems, some issues require professional attention. SparkPoint's certified technicians provide comprehensive refrigerator repair and maintenance services throughout Brooklyn and Manhattan, helping extend your appliance's life and maintain peak performance.
Call now for expert refrigerator repair • Same-day service available