Refrigerator Maintenance Guide: Preventative Care, Pro Servicing, and Warning Signs of Trouble
Your refrigerator is one of the most important appliances in your home, keeping food fresh and safe to eat. Regular maintenance can help it run efficiently, extend its lifespan, and prevent costly breakdowns. In this guide, we’ll go over essential DIY maintenance steps, professional servicing needs, and signs that your fridge may need repair.
Maintenance Homeowners Can Do
Routine care can help your refrigerator maintain optimal performance. Here are key tasks that homeowners should regularly perform:
Weekly & Monthly Maintenance:
- Clean the Interior – Wipe down shelves, drawers, and walls with a mild soap solution or a vinegar-water mixture to remove spills and odors.
- Check & Adjust Temperature Settings – Keep the refrigerator at 37-40°F and the freezer at 0°F for optimal food preservation.
- Inspect & Organize Food Storage – Remove expired items and ensure proper air circulation by not overfilling the fridge.
- Wipe Down the Door Seals – Dirty or damaged seals can cause cold air leaks. Clean them with warm, soapy water and check for cracks.
- Empty & Clean the Drip Pan – Some refrigerators have a drip pan under the unit that collects condensation. Empty and clean it to prevent mold and odors.
Every 3-6 Months:
- Vacuum the Condenser Coils – Dusty coils reduce efficiency. Unplug the fridge and vacuum the coils at the back or bottom to improve cooling performance.
- Replace or Clean the Water Filter – If your fridge has a water dispenser or ice maker, change the water filter as recommended (usually every six months).
- Check & Adjust the Leveling – A refrigerator that isn’t level may cause doors to not seal properly. Adjust the legs if needed.
- Test the Door Gaskets – Close a dollar bill in the door and pull it out. If it slides out easily, the gasket may need replacing.
Maintenance a Professional Should Handle
While homeowners can do a lot to keep their refrigerator running smoothly, some tasks require an experienced technician:
- Inspecting & Replacing Door Seals – If the gasket is cracked or loose, a professional can replace it to ensure proper sealing.
- Recharging Refrigerant Levels – If your fridge isn’t cooling properly, it may have a refrigerant leak that requires a professional recharge.
- Servicing the Compressor & Evaporator Fan – If the compressor or fan is making loud noises, a technician can inspect and replace failing components.
- Checking the Defrost System – If ice builds up in the freezer, the defrost system (heater, thermostat, or timer) may need servicing.
- Repairing Ice Maker or Water Dispenser Issues – A professional can troubleshoot and fix problems with ice production or water flow.
Signs That Your Refrigerator Needs Repair
Even with regular maintenance, refrigerators can develop problems over time. Here are some warning signs that you should call a technician:
- Food Spoils Quickly – If food isn’t staying fresh, your fridge may not be maintaining the correct temperature.
- Excessive Frost or Ice Buildup – Frost in the freezer or around vents could indicate a faulty defrost system.
- Unusual Noises – Loud buzzing, clicking, or knocking sounds could signal compressor or fan issues.
- Water Leaks – Puddles around the fridge may be caused by a clogged drain line, broken water filter, or leaking supply line.
- Fridge Running Constantly – If your fridge never turns off, it may be working harder than it should due to dirty coils, a bad thermostat, or a refrigerant leak.
- Door Not Closing Properly – If doors don’t shut fully, you may need new gaskets or hinge adjustments.
- Warm Spots Inside the Fridge – Uneven cooling may be a sign of a failing fan or sensor issue.
Final Thoughts
Proper refrigerator maintenance can prevent costly repairs and keep your appliance running efficiently for years. While many tasks can be done at home, professional servicing is sometimes necessary to address more complex issues. If you notice any warning signs, don’t wait—contact a trusted appliance repair service before minor problems turn into major failures.
For expert refrigerator repairs and maintenance, contact Xigent Appliance Repair today and keep your food fresh and your fridge in top shape!