How to Tune Up your Refrigerator

Whether you have a FRIGIDAIRE, AMANA or SUB-ZERO appliance, you need to tune up your refrigerator every year.

Modern refrigerator's electrical costs are about $4.00-$5.00 dollars a month. If you have an older fridge it may be costing up to $25 a month in electricity.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. 
   Older Fridge costs more to run

   CHECK THE AGE: If your refrigerator is 10+ years, you may benefit by purchasing a newer one with better efficiency. A refrigerator from the 90's will almost double in electrical costs. A refrigerator from the 80's will increase those costs 4x. A fridge from the 70's can cost 6x as much to run as today's appliances..
   
   Top mounted freezers are more efficient than side by sides. Stay under 25 cubic feet for best efficiency. You can use resource link for choosing refrigerators.

2. 
   seals are important

   SEALS: Clean seals 2x a year, use a 50/50 vinegar water solution to wipe down and kill mold. Coat the seals with a light layer of Vaseline and wipe off excess Vaseline.
   
   TEST SEALS: Place a dollar in the refrigerator door and close it. If the dollar is able to be pulled EASILY from the door then seals may need replacing.
   
   COST: You can replace the door seals for about $100-150 if you are doing it yourself.

3. 
   temperature of fridge

   TEMPERATURE: Check the temperature with a thermometer at least once a year. The temperature should be at 36- 38ºF for the fridge and 0-5ºF for the freezer. Make sure the appliance is located away from heat sources and has air flow to the backside.

4. 
   check coils

   CHECK COILS: Vacuum the refrigerator coils 2x a year. Make sure to pull the refrigerator out and vacuum underneath as well. Clean the floor also to eliminate odors.

5. 
   defrost fridge yearly

   DEFROST: Most refrigerators are automatic defrost. It can be good idea once a year, to unplug the refrigerator and allow completely to defrost for at least 24 hours.
   
   CHECK: Check all tubes to make sure they are not clogged and that they are attached where they need to be. Are any tubes developing cracks?

6. 
   Doors open frequently

   CLEAN: While defrosting, take time to give fridge a thorough cleaning. Wipe down fridge with 50/50 vinegar water mix to kill any mold.
   
   Wash drip pan 2x a year in warm soapy water. After drying, sprinkle pan with baking soda to help combat odors.

Tips & Warnings

• If your refrigerator was made pre-2000 it is time to consider new refrigerator.
• Consider ice chests, freezers and wine coolers as well.
• Baking Soda is not the good of deodorizer for refrigerators. Try active charcoal instead.
• Get rid of the basement or garage freezer. They cost a lot extra to maintain due to the heat. It could be costing you $100-300 more per year to operate fridge in basement or garage.

Resources

• Refrigerators
• Repairs
• Kuro Cube
• Energy Star Refrigerators Freezers
• Innofresh for Fresh Fridge - phoenix based company has twitter presence

[kathryndarden]

on 10/19/2009 Very helpful info. I didn't know some of this. Added to my favorites.

[psychonurse]

on 10/4/2009 Good tips! My theory is that anything that heats up or cools down are the culprits on our high electricity bill. 5*****

[zahzel]

on 7/28/2009 I like the dollar bill test for ref. TY Zahzel

[bossypants]

on 6/30/2009 Helpful schedule for routine cleaning and maintenance. I had no idea what energy wasters old fridges were! Thanks for the good information and advice!

[karileighk]

on 6/29/2009 Thanks for the reminder and tips to do this. *5