Refrigerator maintenance: coils, door seals and the right temperature
· 4 min read
Short answer
Clean the condenser coils every 6 to 12 months, or every few months if you have pets, check the door seals twice a year, and keep the fridge at or below 4°C (40°F) and the freezer at -18°C (0°F), as the US FDA recommends.
A refrigerator runs day and night, so small problems add up on the electricity bill. Dusty coils make the compressor run longer, and a loose door seal lets warm air in every time the kitchen warms up.
Condenser coils: every 6 to 12 months
The coils at the back, or under a grille at the front, get rid of the heat the fridge takes out of your food. Unplug the fridge, then clear the dust with a vacuum brush attachment or a coil brush. With pets or a dusty home, do it every few months.
Door seals: twice a year
Close the door on a sheet of paper or a banknote and pull it out. If it slides out with no grip, the seal isn't tight at that spot, so test all the way around. Wipe the seal with warm soapy water, and replace it if it's torn or stays loose.
The right temperature
- Fridge: at or below 4°C (40°F).
- Freezer: -18°C (0°F).
- The numbers on the dial aren't degrees, so a cheap fridge thermometer is worth having.
Small jobs that help
- Clear the defrost drain hole if water pools under the vegetable drawers.
- Leave a gap behind and around the fridge so air can move.
- Change the water filter, if yours has one, when the manual says.
Call a technician if the fridge runs without stopping, frost builds up in a frost-free model, it clicks on and off every few minutes, or the sides get unusually hot.
Common questions
How often should refrigerator coils be cleaned?
Every 6 to 12 months for most homes, and every few months if you have pets or a dusty kitchen. Unplug the fridge first and use a vacuum brush attachment or a coil brush.
What temperature should a refrigerator be?
At or below 4°C (40°F) for the fridge and -18°C (0°F) for the freezer, as the US FDA recommends. Check with a thermometer, because the numbers on the dial aren't degrees.
How do I know if my fridge door seal is bad?
Close the door on a sheet of paper and pull it out. If it slides out easily, the seal isn't gripping there. Frost near the door, moisture on the seal and a fridge that runs more than it used to are other signs.
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