7 Simple Ways to Look After Your Fridge (And Avoid Costly Repairs)
Your fridge works harder than almost any other appliance in your home — running 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, to keep your food safe and fresh. Yet it’s often the appliance we think about least, until something goes wrong. A little regular care goes a long way toward avoiding breakdowns, high electricity bills, and unexpected repair costs.
Here are some simple, practical tips to help your fridge run efficiently for years to come.
1. Clean the Condenser Coils Regularly
The condenser coils, usually located at the back or underneath your fridge, release heat as part of the cooling process. Over time, dust and pet hair build up on these coils, forcing the compressor to work harder and use more electricity. Unplug your fridge and gently vacuum or brush the coils every 6 months to keep things running smoothly.
2. Check the Door Seals
A worn or loose door seal (gasket) lets cold air escape, making your fridge work overtime to stay cold. Test yours by closing the door on a piece of paper — if you can pull the paper out easily, the seal may need replacing. Wipe seals down regularly to prevent food residue and grime from causing cracks.
3. Don’t Overpack (or Underpack) Your Fridge
A fridge that’s too full restricts air circulation, leading to uneven cooling and spoiled food. On the other hand, a nearly empty fridge has to work harder to maintain temperature because there’s less mass to hold the cold. Aim to keep your fridge about three-quarters full for the best efficiency.
4. Set the Right Temperature
Your fridge should be set between 3°C and 5°C, and your freezer at -18°C. Setting it colder than necessary wastes electricity and puts extra strain on the compressor, while too warm a setting risks food safety.
5. Give It Room to Breathe
Fridges need space around them, especially at the back and sides, to release heat properly. Pushing your fridge flush against a wall or cupboard restricts airflow and can cause the compressor to overheat over time.
6. Defrost When Needed
If you have an older, non-frost-free model, keep an eye on ice build-up in the freezer compartment. More than a few millimetres of frost reduces efficiency and storage space. Defrost regularly to keep things running as they should.
7. Listen and Look for Warning Signs
Unusual noises, water pooling underneath, a fridge that feels warm to the touch, or food spoiling faster than usual are all signs that something needs attention. Catching these early can mean the difference between a simple fix and a full replacement.
When to Call in the Professionals
Even with the best care, fridges eventually need a professional service or repair. If your fridge isn’t cooling properly, is making strange noises, or you’re simply not sure what’s wrong, don’t wait for a small issue to become a big one.
Welkom Appliance Repairs has years of experience repairing fridges and other household appliances throughout Welkom and the surrounding areas. Whether it’s a faulty thermostat, a gas leak, a broken compressor, or a seal that needs replacing, our team can diagnose and fix the problem quickly and affordably — helping you avoid the cost of a full replacement.
Contact Welkom Appliance Repairs
📍 25 Celuta Place, Riebeeckstad, Welkom 📞 057 388 4131 📱 082 461 9365
Get in touch today for reliable, professional fridge repairs you can trust.