An unsung hero of your kitchen, yes we are talking about the mighty fridge! From keeping your vegetables crisp to milk fresh, it does its job quietly. But are you treating it right? Turns out, some of your everyday habits may be quietly running the lifespan of your fridge. Yes, while you’re busy prepping food for the next day or looking around for a midnight snack, your fridge may be working overtime to keep things running, and your little -Ignoring small mistakes. But for how long? If you, like us, love to maintain your kitchen appliances, we are here to help you. After all, buying a fridge can burn a hole in your pocket. So, let’s take a look at how you’re (unknowingly) ruining the lifespan of your fridge.
Also read: 5 tips to keep your fridge clean and organized
Here are 6 ways you’re wasting the lifespan of your fridge:
1. Fill it with food
We’ve all been there where we stuff every last container of leftover food into the already packed fridge. But you are doing it wrong. When you overcrowd your refrigerator, air can’t circulate properly and the refrigerator has to work extra hard to keep everything cool. This will not only disturb the temperature of the fridge, but the compressor will also have to work more. So, you may think you’re saving food, but you’re spending more than your fridge can handle.
2. Ignoring the coils
out of sight out of mind? Not when it comes to your refrigerator. The dusty coils at the back or bottom of your fridge are important for keeping things cool. When they’re covered with dust and dirt, your fridge will need to work harder to release heat. This puts extra pressure on your fridge. To clean it, you don’t need any fancy tools – just take it off, grab a brush and scrub away the mess.
3. Setting the wrong temperature
If you lower the temperature to cool your beverages, you may want to stop. Running your fridge too cold not only wastes energy but also causes the compressor to work overtime. The ideal temperature for a fridge is between 3-5°C. If you’re setting it that low, you’re putting unnecessary strain on your fridge.
4. Not paying attention to the seal of the refrigerator
Have you ever noticed that the small gaps in your refrigerator door don’t close properly? Well, that’s a bad sign! There are rubber seals around the doors to keep cool air in the appliance. When they’re dirty, broken or worn out, your fridge loses cold air and has to work twice as hard to maintain the temperature. Clean them regularly or replace them if you notice anything unusual.
5. Leaving the door open
Thinking about what to eat and skipping will not magically make food appear in your fridge! Yes, the fridge is light and cool but keeping the door open for a few extra seconds makes the fridge work harder to cool things down. Every time you leave the door open, warm air comes in, and your fridge has to work harder to keep the food inside cool. So, the next time you feel like procrastinating, make a quick decision and close the door. Your fridge (and pockets) will thank you later.
6. Ignoring strange sounds
Your fridge shouldn’t be making strange noises! If you hear humming, rattling, or any other strange noise (that isn’t the compressor), it’s time to pay attention. These noises could be from a bad motor or fan which can actually cause your device to break down completely. Do not wait until the refrigerator stops working completely. Call a technician when you hear strange noises. Remember, regular maintenance is the key to keeping your fridge running for a long time.
Also read: Does your fridge smell bad? Here’s how you can get rid of those pungent odors
