Factors Impacting Your Refrigerator’s Lifespan

We naturally want our most important home appliances to last for as long as possible, and a good example here is the refrigerator. There are a number of factors that may influence how long your refrigerator will operate for, and knowing them may help you maximize its lifespan in some simple ways.

At Dick Kearsley Service Center, we're happy to provide a wide range of appliance repair services, including refrigerator repairs that will help keep your fridge working optimally well into the future. What are some of the important factors we often discuss with clients during refrigerator repair appointments that will dictate how long the appliance lasts? Here are several to keep in mind.

Manufacturer and Fridge Quality

First and foremost, like many other popular products, not all refrigerators are created equal. There is actually a huge range of potential quality levels out there, both in terms of the materials used during manufacturing and the design elements that are included. In general, you'll want to buy a fridge from a reputable manufacturer that has a history of producing high-quality appliances.

It's also worth noting that even among models from the same manufacturer, there can be big differences in quality. This is often due to slight changes in design or the inclusion of slightly different materials from one year's production run to the next.

As a result, if you're looking for a fridge that will last a long time, it's important to do your research before making a purchase. Learning as much as you can about the refrigerator model you're interested in and reading reviews from other buyers can be helpful.

Proper Fridge Size Selection

Another vital consideration if you're choosing a new fridge with the intention of it lasting for many years is to make sure you select the proper size unit for your needs.

If your fridge is too small, it will have to work harder than necessary to keep all of your food chilled properly. This can lead to premature wear and tear on some of the key components, such as the compressor.

On the other hand, if your fridge is too large, it will also end up working harder than necessary. That's because the larger the fridge, the more space there is for warm air to circulate. This can again lead to premature component wear and tear.

It's important to note that you don't necessarily have to choose the biggest fridge on the market in order to have one that's appropriately sized for your needs. In fact, many people find that smaller capacity units are more than adequate for their food storage requirements.

Proper Installation

Once you've selected the perfect fridge for your home, it's important to make sure it's properly installed. This may seem like a no-brainer, but if your fridge isn't level or if there are issues with the door seal, these problems can cause unnecessary wear and tear that will shorten its lifespan.

For best results, always have your refrigerator installed by a professional appliance technician. They will know how to properly level the fridge and make sure the doors are sealing correctly.

Refrigerator Use

Next up, one of the areas that you have some of the most control over as the appliance owner is how you actually use the fridge.

For example, overloading the fridge with too much food can put extra strain on the motor, which will cause it to work harder and potentially fail sooner. Similarly, frequently opening and closing the fridge door can also lead to premature wear and tear.

To help your fridge last as long as possible, it's important to be mindful of how you're using it on a daily basis. Avoid overloading it with food and try to limit the number of times you open and close the door each day.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Naturally, how you care for your fridge will also play a role in how long it lasts. To keep your fridge in top condition, it's important to regularly clean both the interior and exterior. This will help remove built-up dirt and grime that can lead to component damage over time.

In addition, you should also be sure to perform routine maintenance tasks like vacuuming the coils and checking the door seals. These simple tasks can help keep your fridge running smoothly for many years to come.

Proper Temperature Ranges

Another area of fridge use that can have a big impact on its lifespan is the temperature settings.

For optimal food storage and appliance longevity, your fridge should be set to between 35 and 38 degrees Fahrenheit. Setting it any colder than this can cause ice buildup on the evaporator coils, which can lead to component damage. Conversely, setting it any warmer than this can cause your food to spoil more quickly.

Some people may look to change these settings for temporary needs, such as during a heatwave. However, it's important to reset the fridge back to the proper temperature ranges as soon as possible to avoid any long-term damage.

Proper Repairs

Finally, in any situation where your fridge isn't working properly, it's important to have the issue repaired as soon as possible. Whether it's a noisy compressor or a faulty door seal, putting off repairs will only make the problem worse and potentially shorten your fridge's lifespan.

For best results, always consult with a professional appliance technician whenever you're having trouble with your refrigerator. They will be able to quickly diagnose and repair the issue, helping to extend the life of your fridge.

For more on the factors that play a role in your refrigerator's lifespan, or to learn about any of our appliance repair or heating and air conditioning services, speak to the team at Dick Kearsley Service Center today.