How to Extend the Lifespan of Your Refrigerator

A quality refrigerator represents a significant investment, with most families spending between $1,000 and $3,000 or more on this essential appliance. While the average refrigerator lasts between 10 and 15 years, proper maintenance can extend that lifespan considerably while also reducing energy consumption and preventing costly repairs. These practical tips will help you get the most from your refrigerator investment.

Keep the Condenser Coils Clean

The condenser coils are responsible for releasing heat from inside the refrigerator to the outside environment. Over time, these coils accumulate dust, pet hair, and other debris that act as insulation, making the compressor work harder to maintain proper temperatures. This extra strain not only increases energy consumption but also accelerates wear on the compressor, potentially shortening its lifespan by years.

Depending on your model, the condenser coils are located either on the back of the refrigerator or underneath it behind a removable grille. Cleaning them twice a year is usually sufficient for most households, though homes with pets may require more frequent attention. Use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment or a specialised condenser coil brush, which can be purchased inexpensively from hardware stores.

Before cleaning, unplug the refrigerator or turn off the circuit breaker. Carefully vacuum or brush away accumulated debris, taking care not to bend or damage the coils. Once clean, restore power and push the refrigerator back into position, ensuring adequate clearance for air circulation.

Check and Replace Door Seals

The rubber gaskets that seal the refrigerator and freezer doors are critical for maintaining proper temperatures and preventing energy waste. Worn, cracked, or dirty seals allow cold air to escape and warm air to enter, forcing the compressor to run more frequently and work harder than necessary.

Test your door seals by closing the door on a piece of paper or a dollar note. If you can pull the paper out easily without resistance, the seal may need attention. Repeat this test at several points around the door to identify any weak spots.

Dirty seals can often be restored to proper function with a thorough cleaning. Use warm water with a small amount of dish soap and a soft cloth to wipe away any food residue, mould, or mildew. After cleaning, apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly to keep the rubber supple and help maintain a good seal.

If seals are cracked, torn, or no longer create adequate suction after cleaning, replacement is necessary. Door gaskets are available from appliance parts suppliers and can usually be installed without professional help, though the process varies by model.

Maintain Proper Temperature Settings

Running your refrigerator at the correct temperature ensures food safety while avoiding unnecessary energy consumption. The ideal refrigerator temperature is between 3 and 5 degrees Celsius, while the freezer should maintain minus 18 degrees Celsius or slightly colder.

Temperatures that are too cold waste energy and may freeze items in the refrigerator section, while temperatures that are too warm compromise food safety and freshness. Use an appliance thermometer to verify that your refrigerator is maintaining proper temperatures, as the built-in settings may not always be accurate.

Avoid placing your refrigerator next to heat sources like ovens, dishwashers, or direct sunlight from windows. External heat forces the compressor to work harder to maintain internal temperatures, increasing wear and energy consumption.

Keep the Interior Clean and Organised

Regular interior cleaning prevents odours, removes bacteria, and helps you identify expired foods before they become a problem. Empty the refrigerator at least once a month and wipe down all surfaces with a solution of warm water and bicarbonate of soda, which cleans effectively without leaving chemical residues that could affect food taste or safety.

Remove and wash shelves, drawers, and door bins with warm soapy water. Check expiration dates and dispose of any items that have passed their prime. Before returning food to the refrigerator, ensure containers are sealed properly to prevent spills and odour transfer.

Proper organisation also affects efficiency. Avoid overcrowding the refrigerator, as this restricts air circulation and creates warm spots where food may spoil faster. Conversely, a very empty refrigerator wastes energy because there is less thermal mass to maintain temperatures when the door opens. If your refrigerator is often nearly empty, consider filling some space with jugs of water to improve efficiency.

Allow Food to Cool Before Storing

Placing hot or warm food directly into the refrigerator forces the compressor to work much harder to bring temperatures back down. This not only wastes energy but can temporarily raise the temperature of surrounding foods, potentially affecting their freshness and safety.

Allow cooked foods to cool to room temperature before refrigerating, but do not leave them out for more than two hours to avoid bacterial growth. If you need to refrigerate large quantities of hot food quickly, divide it into smaller, shallow containers that will cool more rapidly.

Ensure Proper Ventilation

Refrigerators need adequate space around them for proper heat dissipation. Most manufacturers recommend at least 25 millimetres of clearance on each side and 50 millimetres at the back. Built-in models are designed with front ventilation, but freestanding units rely on clearance around the sides and back.

Check that nothing is blocking the vents inside the refrigerator as well. Items pushed against interior vents can disrupt air circulation, creating temperature inconsistencies and making the compressor work harder.

Listen for Warning Signs

Familiarising yourself with the normal sounds your refrigerator makes helps you identify problems early, when they may be easier and less expensive to repair. The compressor should cycle on and off periodically, and you may hear occasional clicks, hums, or gurgling sounds from the refrigerant system.

Unusual sounds warrant investigation. Constant running may indicate dirty coils, worn seals, or temperature setting problems. Loud buzzing or clicking could signal compressor issues. Grinding or scraping sounds might mean a fan motor is failing. Addressing these issues promptly can prevent minor problems from becoming major repairs.

Change the Water Filter Regularly

If your refrigerator has a water and ice dispenser, the water filter requires regular replacement to maintain water quality and protect the system from sediment buildup. Most manufacturers recommend changing the filter every six months, though this varies depending on your water quality and usage levels.

A clogged or expired filter reduces water flow, potentially straining the water system and affecting ice production. It may also allow contaminants to pass through, compromising the quality of your drinking water and ice.

Know When to Call a Professional

While regular maintenance can prevent many problems, some issues require professional attention. If your refrigerator is not maintaining proper temperatures despite correct settings, is running constantly without cycling off, is leaking water inside or outside the unit, or is making unusual sounds that you cannot identify, it is time to consult a qualified appliance technician.

Addressing problems promptly can often save money compared to allowing them to worsen over time. A technician can also advise whether a repair is worthwhile or whether replacement makes more economic sense for an aging unit.