Your refrigerator needs to be properly maintained to increase its efficiency and lifespan. There are simple and cheap ways to keep your refrigerator optimized and proficient in its performance and energy consumption. Listed below are three tips to maintain your fridge. 1) Clean Your Refrigerator’s Condenser Coils Keep your fridge happy and clean from dust, pet hair and debris so it may work smarter, not harder. By keeping your condenser coils clean, you can decrease your electrical consumption up to 30% in savings annually. Remove build-up with a condenser coil cleaning brush; it’s a universal tool that you can find at your local hardware store for less than $10. It is also recommended to use a shop vac in addition to the condenser brush for optimal cleaning. Make sure to flip the breaker, pull out your fridge and disconnect it from the plug outlet and water line if needed. Quick Tip: Depending on your refrigerator, each brand has their condenser in different locations that vary. To find out where your condenser coils are located, locate your model number on your refrigerator and search by our model number look-up. You will then get a complete image of your appliance to see where your condenser is located. 2) Inspect & Clean Your Refrigerator’s Gaskets Your refrigerator gaskets are made to keep in the cool air—an important factor of your appliance’s energy use. First, examine your gaskets of any food or debris; then, clean it with a baking soda and water solution. Clean gaskets = optimal door suction. While you are cleaning, look to see if your gaskets are cracked, damaged or ripped. If you find you have a damaged seal, you should replace it. You may also try the dollar bill test: place a bill or a similar-sized piece of paper in between your seal and close your refrigerator door. If the bill or paper falls to the ground, or you can easily remove it from the lack of “gasket resistance,” – you need to replace it. 3) Clean Your Drip Pan The infamous drip pan is most often forgot about when it comes to refrigerator maintenance. Don’t let your fridge be a breeding ground for bacteria. Your drip pan catches the condensation, debris, dirt, minerals and other materials from your defrost drain in your freezer, to the outside of your fridge to evaporate (from the self-defrosting cycle). Most drip pans are located on the bottom front of your refrigerator on most models. If yours is not, consider finding it through your user manual or our model number look-up. Remember to unplug or disconnect your refrigerator from any electrical source prior to cleaning your drip pan. You may need to uninstall the front grille or cover first to access to your drain pan. Carefully pull out the pan (pay attention to the way it is positioned) and then wash it with a soap solution and sponge. Then, reinstall your dry pan and grille. As always, if in doubt, always refer to your user’s manual. Psst - looking to get rid of tough fridge odors? we wrote about it over here.

3 Important Tips to Maintain Your Refrigerator