How to Maintain Your Refrigerator — 8 Simple Tips

A refrigerator runs 24×7 for a decade — small habits decide whether it does so cheaply and reliably. Eight tips from our service teams:

• 1. Keep the coils clean — dust on the back/bottom coils makes the compressor work harder; brush them clean every few months.
• 2. Check the door seal — a slip of paper should grip when the door closes; loose gaskets leak cold air constantly.
• 3. Set the right temperature — fridge around 3–4°C, freezer around -18°C; colder wastes power without benefit.
• 4. Don't overpack — cold air must circulate; leave space between items.
• 5. Cool food before storing — hot dishes force the compressor into overdrive.
• 6. Defrost direct cool models regularly — thick ice insulates against cooling (frost-free owners skip this; see direct cool vs frost free).
• 7. Give it breathing room — a few inches of clearance from walls keeps heat dissipating.
• 8. Level the fridge — doors seal properly and the compressor runs smoother.

If your fridge is past 10–12 years and struggling, a new inverter model often pays for itself in electricity — size it with the litres guide and browse refrigerators at Value Plus. Exchange offers available at 135+ stores — call 9971699699.