“Is Your Refrigerator Running?”

The refrigerator is the heart of the kitchen, and the kitchen is the heart of the home. Read on for tips on maintenance, storage and advice for a safe, efficient, and long-lasting refrigerator.

Maintenance
Follow these maintenance tips to prolong the longevity and efficiency of your refrigerator.

• Clean the condenser coils. Dust-covered condenser coils prevent the unit from running efficiently. The coils, depending on your model, are located beneath or behind your unit. Every six months, use a broom or duster to remove any accumulated dust.
• Check your gasket. Each month, do a visual check of your gasket (door seal) to make sure the door is tightly sealing. A loose or damaged gasket can prevent the refrigerator from cooling properly. Every few months, remove grim with a soft sponge and warm, soapy water.
• Change your water filter. If your unit has an ice maker and/or water dispenser, you will need to replace your water filter every six months to ensure proper water flow and clean water.
• Clean the drain and drip pan. Every six months, you should remove and clean the drip pan beneath your refrigerator, as well as the drain hole that removes condensation. Consult your owner’s manual for more information.

*Pro Tips*
For maximum efficiency, check that your freezer and refrigerator are set to the proper temperature. Your refrigerator should be set between 37 and 40 degrees, and your freezer should be set to 0 degrees.

The temperature in the door area of your refrigerator fluctuates more than any other area of your refrigerator. For this reason, avoid storing dairy products, such as milk, in the door.

Going on Vacation?
Refrigerators require “thermal mass” to cool properly. If you are going on vacation or leaving for an extended period of time, store a few jugs of water in your refrigerator to keep your unit running properly.

Power Outage?
If you lose power, keep the doors closed. Your refrigerator will keep food safe for 4 hours, and your freezer will keep food safe 24-48 hours, depending how full it is.