Having a fridge is immensely convenient for storing food and keeping it fresh.

However, in order to make the most out of your refrigerator, it’s important to avoid making certain mistakes that can cause your fridge to run poorly, waste electricity and even lead to food spoilage. Here are the top 4 errors you might be making with your fridge:.

1. Failing to Clean the Condenser Coils

One of the most common mistakes people make with their fridges is not cleaning the condenser coils. These coils are responsible for transferring heat outside of the fridge and cooling down the interior.

If they are dirty, coated with dust and debris, or blocked by other objects, they won’t function efficiently, causing your fridge to work harder to maintain the correct temperature. Moreover, this can also lead to a build-up of ice, which can result in louder operation of the fridge and higher electricity bills due to increased energy consumption.

Therefore, it is important to clean the condenser coils regularly to prevent any issues.

2. Overcrowding the Fridge

You may think that fitting as much food as possible into your fridge is the best way to conserve space and minimize food waste, but this is not the case.

Overcrowding the fridge can actually prevent the air from circulating properly, which can lead to food spoilage and increase the chance of bacteria growth. To avoid this issue, aim to keep your fridge half full, leaving enough space between the items so that air can circulate freely.

In addition to ensuring proper air flow, this will also help your fridge to stay organized and ensure that you don’t waste any food due to overcrowding.

3. Not Checking the Temperature

Temperature is critical for keeping food fresh and healthy, and it is important to ensure that your fridge is maintaining the proper temperature. Generally, the ideal temperature for a fridge should be between 34°F and 40°F.

If the temperature is too low, it can cause food to freeze and become unusable. On the other hand, if the temperature is too high, it can spoil the food and cause bacteria growth. Therefore, it is important to periodically check the temperature and adjust the settings accordingly.

Most fridge models have a built-in thermometer or temperature display, making it easy to check the temperature and make necessary adjustments.

4. Ignoring the Door Seal

Another common mistake is to ignore the condition of the door seal. The door seal is responsible for keeping the cold air inside the fridge and preventing warm air from entering it.

If the seal is worn out, dirty or damaged, it can cause the fridge to work harder to maintain the proper temperature and waste energy. To fix this issue, it’s important to regularly clean the seal and check for any signs of damage. In addition to this, it’s recommended to keep the door closed as much as possible and avoid leaving it open for extended periods of time.

Conclusion

Following these simple tips will help keep your fridge running efficiently, keep your food fresh and healthy, and help save energy.

Therefore, it’s important to avoid making these common errors, clean your fridge’s condenser coils, enhance airflow by avoiding overly crowding the fridge, check temperature, and ensure the door seal is clean and functional. By taking these steps, you’ll not only save money on electricity bills but also prolong the life of your fridge and avoid the negative effects of food spoilage and bacteria growth.