A refrigerator is one of the hardest-working appliances in every home. It runs 24/7 to keep your food fresh, maintain safe temperatures, and support your daily routine. But despite its importance, many homeowners unintentionally ignore fridge maintenance — which leads to higher electricity bills, reduced cooling efficiency, and unexpected breakdowns.
The good news? With a few simple habits, you can significantly improve your fridge’s performance and extend its lifespan by years. Below are 10 easy fridge maintenance tips that can help you prevent costly repairs and ensure your appliance keeps running smoothly.
1. Keep the Coils Clean
The condenser coils release heat from the fridge. When they get covered with dust, dirt, and pet hair, your fridge struggles to cool properly.
How to clean coils:
Unplug the fridge
Pull it away from the wall
Use a brush or vacuum to clear the dirt
Clean every 6 months
Dirty coils can increase energy use by up to 30%. Keeping them clean helps your fridge run more efficiently and last longer.
2. Check the Door Seals (Gaskets)
If the door seal is loose, cracked, or dirty, cold air escapes — making the fridge work harder.
How to maintain door seals:
Clean them with warm soapy water
Check for cracks or gaps
Perform the paper test: Close a paper sheet in the door. If it slides out easily, the seal needs replacing.
Fixing a faulty seal is one of the easiest ways to improve energy efficiency.
3. Set the Right Temperature
Keeping your fridge and freezer at the correct temperature ensures optimal cooling and prevents food spoilage.
Recommended settings:
Fridge: 3°C to 4°C (37°F to 40°F)
Freezer: –18°C (0°F)
Avoid setting temperatures too low — it doesn’t improve cooling but increases your power bill and strains the compressor.
4. Don’t Overload the Fridge
Overloading blocks air circulation, causing uneven cooling and forcing the appliance to run longer.
Tips:
Organise shelves and avoid stuffing items near vents
Leave enough space for air to flow
Use storage boxes to keep everything tidy
A well-organised fridge works far more efficiently.
5. Keep the Fridge Level
If your fridge isn’t level, the door may not close properly, or the compressor might operate incorrectly.
How to fix this:
Use a spirit level
Adjust the front legs until the fridge stands evenly
Ensure the door closes fully without force
This simple adjustment can significantly improve performance.
6. Clean the Interior Regularly
A clean fridge not only maintains hygiene but also reduces odours and prevents mould or bacteria growth.
Cleaning routine:
Remove food items
Wipe shelves with warm soapy water
Clean spills immediately
Use an odour absorber (like baking soda)
Regular cleaning keeps your fridge fresh and prevents long-term damage.
7. Check the Drip Pan and Defrost Drain
Most modern refrigerators have a drip pan that collects condensation. If it gets clogged or dirty, your fridge may develop unpleasant smells or water leaks.
Maintenance steps:
Remove the drip pan (usually behind the grille)
Wash with warm soapy water
Check the defrost drain for clogs
Keeping this area clean ensures smooth drainage and prevents water-related issues.
8. Keep Your Fridge at Least Half Full
A completely empty fridge works harder to stabilise temperatures, while a moderately filled one retains cold better.
Quick tip:
If you don’t keep many items, place a few bottles of water inside to help maintain consistent cooling.
9. Store Food Properly
Poorly covered food releases moisture, which forces the fridge to work harder and can cause frost buildup.
Best storage habits:
Cover all food with lids or plastic wrap
Use sealed containers
Avoid placing hot food directly into the fridge
Heat from hot food raises internal temperature and stresses the compressor.
10. Schedule Professional Servicing
Even with regular maintenance, your fridge still needs occasional expert inspection to ensure all components are working correctly.
A professional technician can check:
Gas levels
Compressor health
Airflow settings
Electrical components
Thermostat accuracy
If you notice strange noises, uneven cooling, or higher electricity bills, it may be time for expert help. You can contact Professional Fridge Repairs in Sydney for reliable and affordable appliance servicing.
Final Thoughts
Regular fridge maintenance doesn’t require much effort — but it dramatically improves performance, reduces energy bills, and extends the lifespan of your appliance. From cleaning coils to checking seals and setting the right temperature, these small habits prevent major faults and help your fridge run smoothly for years.
And when something does go wrong, don’t delay repairs. A trusted technician can fix issues before they turn into expensive breakdowns. For reliable service, remember to reach out to Fast Fridge Repairs, your local experts in Sydney.