Are you unknowingly ruining your fridge? Many of us don't realize that everyday habits and reckless behavior can greatly shorten the life of this indispensable device in our households. The refrigerator is one of the most important appliances in our kitchen, which ensures the freshness of food and the safety of our food. Nevertheless, it is often treated with indifference, which leads to frequent breakdowns and the premature end of its life. In this article, we'll reveal seven habits that can take years off your refrigerator, and advise you on how to avoid them to extend the life of your refrigerator.
Although it seems that this appliance is often overlooked in the household, it is worth paying special attention to the refrigerator. With a few completely everyday habits, we actually shorten its lifespan without even realizing it.
Do not clean the internal mechanisms
If the defrost drain is clogged with debris or frozen, water dripping from the coils will overflow the drain pan and drip to the bottom of your refrigerator. This can overload your fridge and shorten its life, and it can also lead to water leaking all over the kitchen floor.
Photo: Unsplash/Enrico MantegazzaDo not clean the refrigerator
Food residue, sticky liquids, and frequent food accidents left on the refrigerator door seal for too long will tear or break the door seal. This can lead to leaks that allow cold air to escape. To keep your refrigerator in top 'shape' for as long as possible, regularly wipe the edges of the door.
The freezer temperature is too high
In freezers, a temperature of -25 to -15 C is recommended. Just a 5 C lower temperature means as much as 25 percent more electricity consumption. Do not open the refrigerator and freezer unnecessarily. The door should only be open long enough to take out or put the selected foods into it.
Photo: Unsplash/Point3d Commercial ImageThe wrong temperature of the freezer can also affect the longevity of your ice machine, as well as the spoilage of the food in it. Temperatures above -10 C can cause the defrost thermostat to stop working, which in turn overloads your refrigerator and shortens its life.
Don't ignore unusual sounds
If you notice that your refrigerator is running louder than usual, take immediate action. Some fixes are easy enough to do yourself, or won't break the bank even if you get professional help. By delaying, the problems will only escalate, which in turn will lead to more expensive repairs. Depending on the age of your refrigerator, you may want to decide not to repair it and invest in a new, more energy-efficient and cost-effective option.
