Summer heat can strain your home’s most essential appliances. With a little seasonal maintenance, you can boost performance, save on energy bills, and avoid mid-season breakdowns. Here’s how to keep your refrigerator and air conditioner running at their best.
Keeping Your Refrigerator Cool & Efficient
Your fridge works overtime in the summer, keeping your drinks ice-cold and your food fresh despite rising temperatures. If it’s struggling to keep up, here’s what you can do:
1. Clean Those Condenser Coils
Your fridge’s condenser coils (usually located at the back or underneath) are responsible for dissipating heat. When they’re covered in dust and grime, your fridge has to work harder to stay cool.
Quick Fix: Unplug the fridge, pull it away from the wall, and use a vacuum or coil brush to clean off the dust buildup. Do this at least twice a year.
2. Check & Replace Door Seals
Worn-out seals let cold air escape, forcing your fridge to use more energy to maintain the right temperature.
Quick Fix: Close the door on a dollar bill; if you can pull it out easily, the seal isn’t tight enough. Consider replacing the gasket to improve efficiency.
3. Keep It Full (But Not Too Full!)
A well-stocked fridge retains cold air better, but overloading it can block airflow and make it harder to cool evenly.
Quick Fix: Maintain a balanced load, leaving enough space for air to circulate. If your fridge looks empty, store a few water bottles inside to help retain cold air.
4. Set the Right Temperature
If your fridge is too warm, food will spoil faster. Too cold, and you’ll waste energy.
Ideal Setting: Keep your fridge at 37–40°F and your freezer at 0°F.
5. Don’t Leave the Door Open Too Long
Every time you leave the fridge open, warm air rushes in, making your fridge work harder.
Quick Fix: Decide what you want before opening the door, and remind kids to do the same.
Keeping Your AC Running Like a Dream
Nothing is worse than an AC failure in the middle of a heatwave. Regular maintenance can help prevent costly repairs and keep your home comfortably cool.
1. Change or Clean the Air Filter
A dirty filter restricts airflow, making your AC work harder and increasing energy costs.
Quick Fix: Change disposable filters or clean reusable ones at least once a month during peak usage.
2. Clean the Condenser Coils
Your AC’s outdoor unit has condenser coils that can get clogged with dirt and debris.
Quick Fix: Turn off the power, remove debris, and gently spray the coils with a hose. Don’t use high pressure, as it can damage the fins.
3. Keep the Area Around the Outdoor Unit Clear
Overgrown plants or piled-up debris can block airflow and reduce efficiency.
Quick Fix: Maintain at least two feet of clear space around the unit.
4. Use a Programmable Thermostat
Setting your thermostat to automatically adjust when you’re not home can save energy without sacrificing comfort.
Quick Fix: Set your thermostat to 78°F when you’re home and increase it when you’re away.
5. Check for Leaks in Your Ductwork
Leaks in your ducts can cause cool air to escape before it reaches your living space.
Quick Fix: Inspect your ducts for visible gaps and seal them with foil tape or mastic sealant.
Time for an Upgrade? We’ve Got You Covered!
If your fridge or AC is still struggling after all these tips, it might be time for a replacement. The good news? We’ve got you covered!
And for just $149.99, we’ll handle everything: Delivery, installation, and removal of your old window unit! (Price applies to window AC units only.)
Don’t wait for a breakdown to leave you sweating, or with spoiled groceries! Shop online or visit one of our stores today to find the perfect replacement to keep your home cool and efficient all summer long!
Raj Keshwala
Sales, Hallock's Appliances
raj@shoreappliancesct.com
174 Cedar St.
Branford, CT 60405 | 203.488.2527