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How to Extend the Life of Your Refrigerator: 7 Tips From an Expert

Written by Oleg Chudnovski

The U.S. Department of Energy says the average refrigerator lifespan is approximately 12 years. However, this appliance is a big-ticket item no one wants to replace, even this rarely. Especially given that modern technology-fueled fridges tend to cost households an arm and a leg. Can you extend a fridge's lifespan beyond that term?

Let me assure you, as a seasoned pro in the niche, you absolutely can. I’m Oleg C., and I have been fixing fridges for over 18 years, a decade of which were spent working in appliance repair in Hollywood, FL. How to make your refrigerator last longer? Let me share essential refrigerator maintenance tips that will help you enjoy your appliance for many years without compromising its efficiency.

Tip 1. Vacuum the Condenser Coils

Coils are probably the dirtiest place in your house (except your kids’ rooms, of course). They collect dust, dirt, hair, and other things in spades. Accumulating over months and years in an inconspicuous place, usually on the rear of the fridge, though some brands, such as GE, Whirlpool, or KitchenAid, may have them underneath or on top, such as LG and Sub-Zero models. The dirt diminishes the coils’ ability to dissipate heat. Being overheated longer than they should be, the coils have a shorter lifespan. To minimize such chances, you should clean them twice a year.

1. Unplug the appliance.
2. Pull it away from the wall to access the condenser. If the coils are underneath, remove the bottom kick plate.
3. Use a vacuum cleaner with a soft-brush attachment to remove the dust.
4. Place the fridge in its initial position and plug it back in.

Tip 2. Keep Door Gaskets Clean and Intact

What's the gasket? It is a flexible rubber or silicone insulation strip around the edges of the fridge door, designed to keep the interior sealed when the door is closed. Over time, gaskets dry out and can even crack (plus food bits stick to them), so outside air can penetrate the fridge. This reduces the appliance’s efficiency and causes the compressor to work longer and harder.

How to improve refrigerator efficiency? Regularly care for the gasket by cleaning it with a damp cloth or sponge, then drying off any excess water. And make sure you apply no solvents or other aggressive substances that can destroy the gasket (consult the fridge manual for details).

Tip 3. Replace or Bypass the Water Filter

If your appliance is equipped with a water filter, it requires replacement once every six months. Yet, in my experience, buying an aftermarket filter is a toss-up since you can never be sure it removes all bacteria and contaminants from the water you drink. Plus, it will cost you a pretty penny (around $100 a year).

A practical life hack that addresses the filter quality and financial issues in one go is to ditch the filter altogether. To keep the water flowing in some fridges, you will need to use the cartridge plug included with the purchase.

Tip 4. Keep the Top of the Refrigerator Clear

The more space there is above the fridge, the better the heat from the condenser coils can dissipate. So, try to avoid storing anything on top of it. If kitchen cabinets overhang the refrigerator, leave at least a one-inch clearance between them to avoid obstructing the airflow. Some models have stricter spacing recommendations, so check the manual anyway.

Tip 5. Clean the Water and Ice Dispenser

This advice is not so much about lifespan but rather hygiene, but who’d say health is less important? After prolonged use of the dispenser and its tray, a white film forms on them, consisting of mineral buildup (typically calcium). To remove it, I usually mix equal parts of water and vinegar, dip a sponge into the mixture, and gently wipe away the residue. If it has eaten into the surface pretty badly, soak the dispenser and tray in the mixture until the film comes off.

Tip 6. Keep Refrigerator Vents Clear and Clean

Inside the fridge and the freezer, there are special vents that enable air circulation. If they are clogged or obstructed, the system won't operate as required. The cooling will be uneven, which makes the compressor grind it out. To make life easier, wipe the vents every month with a damp cloth (the water-and-vinegar mixture mentioned above works here as well). And avoid blocking the vents with objects placed close to them.

Tip 7. Fix Small Problems Quickly

Very often, people postpone calling a technician when they spot a minor issue, such as a loose fridge door or a broken gasket. Such procrastination leads not only to increased energy consumption but also to greater wear and tear on the appliance, thus shortening its lifespan. Wondering how to extend the life of your refrigerator? Don't wait for the problem to aggravate; contact a specialist immediately.

Consider Spark Service PRO as Your Trusted Partner

As an experienced professional refrigerator repair in Fort Lauderdale, I have seen many fridges go out of service due to improper care and maintenance. And I’ve brought just as many back to life using the knowledge and hands-on skills I’ve built up over the years.

My technicians and I are available 7 days a week and accept request service forms around the clock to resolve problems with refrigerators of any model, size, or brand — both residential and commercial. We will come to your premises on short notice and perform an out-and-out diagnosis or repair of your appliance. Parts and labor warranty covers all repairs. Contact us to recieve a free diagnostic with any service, repair, maintenance or installation at your convenience.

Final Thoughts

I hope I've explained it clearly enough, so let me summarize. A long-lasting refrigerator is all about proper and regular maintenance. You should clean the condenser coils and door gasket, leave enough space above the appliance, keep vents clean and unobstructed, replace the water filter timely (or bypass it), and handle small problems as soon as they crop up.

If you still have any questions or would like an expert inspection of your fridge, don't hesitate to call us at 954-866-1122 for a free diagnostic and any repair service.