With warmer weather around the corner, here's how to make your fridge

energy- efficient

    CANTON, Mich., March 22 /PRNewswire/ -- Apart from the occasional
 removal of "science experiments" that have erupted inside fridge
 containers, refrigerators rarely break down. However, Chris Hall, president
 of RepairClinic.com(R), sees refrigerators as the most attention-deprived
 household appliance.
     "It's true that refrigerators just keep on ticking -- often with
 minimal care -- but many problems we see are a result of homeowners not
 taking simple steps to ensure their refrigerator is operating at peak
 efficiency," says Hall.
     What to look for, what to do
     Here are some areas that often need attention, and some easy fixes:
 
     1. Please shut the door! The refrigerator and freezer door gaskets provide
        a tight seal to keep the cool in and warm air out. If the gaskets are
        torn or bent, or if the door isn't closing tightly, the refrigerator
        will have to work overtime to keep its contents cold.
 
        How to fix: Inspect the gaskets all the way around and check for any
        tears or rips. If the gasket is torn, replace it -- it's an easy job.
        If there is a gap where the gasket meets the refrigerator/freezer, you
        might be able to correct this by loosening the screws that retain the
        gasket to the door. Then, gently twist the door so that the gasket
        makes contact, and tighten the screws.
 
     2. Dusty coils? The condenser coils on self-defrosting refrigerators are
        fan-cooled and must be kept clean. Look for black, radiator-like coils
        underneath the refrigerator -- you may have to remove the toe-kick
        grill on the front to gain access to them. On older refrigerators, they
        may be on the back.
 
        How to fix: Use a special condenser cleaning brush (a long, narrow
        bristle brush), fitted to your vacuum cleaner to clean the coils once a
        year. If you have pets, clean them more often.
 
     3. Give it some room. If the refrigerator never seems to stop cooling,
        there may be inadequate clearance around the appliance, restricting
        airflow to the cooling coils.
 
        How to fix: If the condenser coils on your fridge are on the back, make
        sure there's at least one inch between them and the wall behind the
        unit. If they are underneath, make sure the bottom front of the
        refrigerator is clear so that cool air can reach them.
 
     Inexpensive items that make for a healthier fridge:
     1. Condenser cleaning brush. This handy device makes it much easier to
        thoroughly clean the condenser coils. This brush is also useful for
        cleaning lint build-up in dryers.
 
     2. Freezer and refrigerator air cleaner. These special packs last up to
        one year and work much better than baking soda.
 
     3. If racks and bins inside the fridge are old or cracked, these can
        easily be replaced to make a fridge look good as new.
     RepairClinic.com provides tools and parts for all brands of
 refrigerators, along with some additional maintenance and cleaning tips
 here: http://www.repairclinic.com/referral.asp?R=1451&P=46&Ref=836.
     About RepairClinic.com(R)
     RepairClinic.com was founded in 1999 with the idea that armed with the
 right advice, tools and parts, savvy consumers can extend the life of their
 appliances, save money, and conserve the environment. Consumers can visit
 www.RepairClinic.com for free appliance-repair help, or call a customer
 service representative at (800) 269-2609 for help locating specific parts.
 
 

SOURCE RepairClinic.com