After a few years of use, are you worried your good old refrigerator is somewhere near its retirement? It is best to know the average lifespan of your fridge, even before buying it. If you have not done so, worry not.
In this article, you will be informed of how long should a refrigerator last—and some tips to care for your appliance. More so, we will give you tell-tale signs when it’s time you have to get a new one.
Refrigerator Lifespan
So, how long do refrigerators last? At most, a standard and well-maintained fridge can last from 10 up to 20 years. It has an average life expectancy of 14 years.
Meanwhile, compact refrigerators have a shorter lifecycle. It can last four 4 to 12 years in your care, with an average lifespan of 8 years. That’s not bad for the investment you made on it, right?
Tips For A Well-Maintained Refrigerator
Keep your fridge in excellent shape towards the end of its life cycle. As with any appliance, a refrigerator needs your TLC. Here are refrigerator maintenance tips you can follow:
Clean Door Seals
Clean your refrigerator’s door seals twice a year, or anytime that it shows noticeable grime build-up. To do this, you will need a soft brush and a cleaning solution of water and baking soda. Turn off your fridge first. Then, carefully brush off dirt and grime. Once done, you can wipe off the residues with a moist towel.
Immediately wipe off food residues when using your fridge. Also, make sure that your refrigerator’s door seals shut tightly. Loose door seals increase energy consumption as cool air from the fridge could easily seep out.
To check your door seals, insert a dollar bill between them. Half of the bill should be inside and the other half outside the fridge. If the bill slips out or slides down easily, have a professional check it for maintenance.
Clean The Coils
Twice a year, clean the condenser coils located at the back of your fridge. Dirty coils prevent your fridge from working efficiently. How long do fridges last will depend on how you take care of their working parts.
To clean the coils, unplug the fridge, and pull it off the wall to reveal the coils. Use a vacuum with a brush attachment to clean off the dust.
Keep It Leveled
Make sure that your fridge stands on a leveled surface or floor. If a refrigerator is unstable, doors might not close properly; hence, straining its cooling parts.
To check, place a level on top of your fridge. Or you may try to rock it back and forth gently. If it gets knocked off easily, consider placing something beneath its feet to adjust its level. Some refrigerators have adjustable feet or stands. Adjust them accordingly.
Set Right Temperature
Your fridge works 24/7. For it to last, set the right temperature at 37 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit. The freezer temperature should be kept at 0 degrees.
Keep Doors Closed During Power Outage
Have some food ready in your pantry to keep you from opening your fridge during a power outage. An unopened fridge will keep your food safe for four hours. On the other hand, a freezer will maintain its temperature for 48 hours if it’s full and 24 hours if it’s half full.
Conclusion
When you purchase a new one, ask for a brand, model, or type that will suit your needs and your budget. It will also be beneficial to ask the salespeople about how long should a refrigerator last and how it should be maintained. That way, you will be able to get the most out of your investment.