When you think of hardworking appliances, the refrigerator comes to mind. But when you forget to do regular maintenance on it, you compromise it. It may not be running as efficiently as you’d hope it would be. If you have a refrigerator that uses extra energy— more than it’s supposed to— or if it doesn’t keep the right temperature, it may make living in your rental home difficult and also put your budget and health at risk. It’s important to ensure that the refrigerator in your home is running efficiently and safely. You can easily do this with a few simple maintenance tasks.
In order to properly care for a refrigerator, begin by evaluating its condition. Regular energy evaluation on your appliances is necessary, according to appliance experts. According to Mr. Appliance, a home’s major appliances use up to 13 percent of the total electricity load. When they are running efficiently, you can be sure you aren’t paying too much on your monthly electric bill. Old or worn-out appliances consume more electricity than newer, more efficient models. That’s why, if your Palatine rental’s refrigerator is more than ten years old, consider requesting for a new one.
But even new refrigerators need regular maintenance to run efficiently for many years. Fortunately, refrigerator maintenance isn’t difficult at all. In fact, it’s very simple that almost anyone can do it. In fact, the part that is most difficult is just remembering to do it every year!
The initial thing to understand about refrigerator maintenance is that it’s vital to clean the condenser coils at least once a year to keep it running efficiently. Dirt and dust can gather on the coils, leading them to retain heat and put a strain on the compressor. If that takes place, your refrigerator will not effectively maintain a consistent temperature or keep food cold, and may even break down. To clean the coils, merely remove the back panel or the grill on the bottom front section of the refrigerator. Making use of a vacuum or bristle brush, gently remove any collected dirt, then replace the panel.
Another vital maintenance task is the cleaning of the gaskets. The gasket is the rubber or plastic seal that runs all the way around each door. When this seal gets dirty, it won’t seal properly, resulting in the refrigerator leaking cold air while increasing your utility bills. The gasket should be cleaned with mild soap and a sponge every few months to make your refrigerator running as it should be.
As a tenant, you play a considerable part in appliance maintenance. Several tenants who are otherwise conscientious don’t really understand basic refrigerator maintenance and may accidentally harm it by neglect or misuse. They may also end up paying much more for electricity than they should be, only because they didn’t comply with a few really simple tasks. Knowing the right things and being able to remember when maintenance should be performed goes a long way toward extending the life of your refrigerator, lowering your utility bills, and keeping food at safe temperatures.
Are you on the lookout to move to a different area? Real Property Management Northwest Chicago Suburbs rentals are managed professionally with the features and amenities you’re searching for. If your current rental isn’t meeting your standards, take a look at our available property listings. We may very well have the property that you want. If you’re a property owner looking to know more about our management services, contact us online or call us at 847-892-4040 today.
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