The primary appliance of any modern kitchen is the fridge. Maintaining your fridge is one of the best ways to keep your kitchen cool during the summertime. The insulated environment of a fridge provides food security and access to cooling features that combat seasonal heat. The summer months require your fridge to maintain its contents without being affected by external temperatures. Access to cool drinks and refrigerated foods helps us beat the heat, but these items require an efficient refrigerator to stay refreshing. Learn how to keep your fridge cool during summer by knowing what components of your fridge to monitor and the type of maintenance required.
Check the Seal
The refrigerator door contains a seal or gasket to ensure the fridge remains airtight. If there are gaps in the seal, the fridge becomes less able to maintain cool temperatures. Check if there’s an obstruction causing the seal to malfunction before replacing it.
Check the Coils
The condenser coils, located at the rear of your fridge, help maintain insulation. The condenser coils become less efficient when they’re covered in dust, dirt, or pet hair. Newer fridge models have a self-cleaning condenser system, but older models require manual cleaning. Condenser coils can be cleaned with a coil brush or standard vacuum.
Set the Temperature
It’s important to know how to keep your fridge cool during summer by setting it to the correct temperature and maintaining energy efficiency. The correct temperature helps prevent food spoilage and reduces the risk of your fridge malfunctioning. Check the manufacturer label to determine the best temperature to set your fridge and freezer through the summer season.
Change the Water Filter
The water filter inside your fridge promotes ice production and provides cool water so that you can stay hydrated in the summer. It’s important to replace the water filter to keep the system operating efficiently. Modern fridge models have a filter indicator to signal when to replace it. It’s best to consult the owner’s manual because the timeline for changing the water filter can vary by fridge model.
