However, for you to know how to take good care of your refrigeration unit, it is vital that you also increase your knowledge about certain components of the fridge and the best practices when it comes to care and maintenance. Below is a look at some of the vital things you need to know about your refrigerator if you hope to get the most in terms of service, efficiency, and longevity.

How to operate the refrigerator at the right temperatures

Regrettably, most people never give a thought to the temperature settings of their refrigerators. Once they switch on the unit, and so long as the main compartment can keep food fresh and the freezer compartment is also working fine, they won’t bother to think about tweaking the temperature. The importance of knowing the correct or recommended operating temperature is so that you ensure the unit is operating at maximum efficiency and also to ensure that your foods are not in an unsafe zone.

The ideal temperature for most units is between 35 and 38 degrees Fahrenheit. Anything above 400F is considered unsafe and will not just risk spoiling the food, but also promotes the growth of bacteria inside your unit. The best way to ensure that your refrigerator temperature is in the right zone is to simply invest in a refrigerator thermometer. With a thermometer, once you have placed it inside your unit, preferably at the door, you will easily monitor the temperature and adjust accordingly to ensure maximum efficiency.

Seasonal cleaning of the refrigerator and the freezer

Most people never take time to clean their refrigerator and freezers regularly, and as a result, they incur costs or experience damages that could have been easily avoided if a proper cleaning schedule was ensured. Instead of waiting for major spills for you to clean the entire fridge, it is recommended that weekly, or twice every month, you should remove everything from the refrigerator and the freezers and give it a thorough cleaning.

This is how you stop germs and bacteria from building up inside the compartments and also stop any odors that might have started building up inside the fridge. For better cleaning results, use a solution of baking soda and vinegar to thoroughly clean every part of the refrigerator.

How to properly use the crisper drawers

Most people see crisper drawers in their refrigerators and they have no idea how they work. To them, they are just additional places to store your foods. However, the drawers have some science behind them and once you know how they operate correctly, you will know what to store where depending on the number of drawers that your fridge has. To begin with, crisper drawers have varying levels of humidity compared to the rest of the fridge.

If your fridge has two crisper drawers, for instance, you should use one for low humidity storage and another for high humidity storage. Items such as fruits should always be stored in the low-humidity drawers. This is because with prolonged storage, they will begin to produce a gas known as ethylene, and since the low humidity drawers have a vent, they will provide an easy escape for the gas and avoid a build-up inside the fridge. The high humidity drawers, on the other hand, should be designated for items such as vegetables that produce no gas that will need to be released out of the fridge.

Proper organization for ease of use and safety

Another thing you have to know if you want to completely dominate your fridge is proper organization. For most people, they think it is okay to keep whatever they want inside the fridge, but this is a huge misconception. For instance, there are certain items that should never find their way into the refrigerator. For example, items such as garlic, bread, honey, potatoes, onions, avocados, and bananas should never be stored inside a fridge.

The rule of thumb is that ready to eat food should occupy the upper shelves, while items such as raw ingredients, and meats should go to the lower shelves. One huge mistake most people do is store eggs and milk on the door because they are easily accessible, but this is wrong. The door is the warmest part of the fridge, and it is ideal for storing condiments.

About the efficient operation of the fridge

It is also vital to know how to tell if your unit is running efficiently or if it is working harder than it should. Any inefficiency will not just lead to higher energy bills, but may also cause serious mechanical problems which may compel you to seek for appliance repair in Montreal & Laval services. But with a little practice and knowing how to understand your unit, you can ensure that it is operating optimally at all times.

To begin with, you should check and ensure that the doors are airtight at all times. This is one of the places where the most energy is lost, leading to expensive operational costs. Secondly, you should check the coils to ensure they are not covered in dust and other debris because this will lower the efficiency of the fridge. Also, you should be keen enough to notice any strange or unusual noises coming from the fridge.

Finally, form the habit of calling a professional for inspection once every year. This is how you will detect problems before they occur and have them resolved in good time. This is the greatest secret to avoiding expensive repair costs associated with Samsung & Whirlpool refrigerator repairs.

The post 5 Vital Things You Should Know about your Refrigerator appeared first on Service Servotech.

The difference between built-in and freestanding refrigerators

Built-in refrigerators are designed to fit into your cabinetry. They fit seamlessly and may be completely covered with the paneling on the wall. Freestanding refrigerators, on the other hand, are the most common ones and installing them is as simple as plugging them into the outlet. It is good to know the difference between the two so that you know the type that will best suit your home and needs. Many people have usually bought one type, only to get home and realize that they needed the other type.

The orientation of the unit

As far as orientation goes, there are side by side freezer fridge models and models with the freezer drawers beneath the fridge. Then there are also models with the freezers on top of the fridge. Though the options here are mainly a matter of personal preferences, you should consider factors such as your lower back and the available space when making your choice. This is because care for your comfort and convenience, and the space available for the various orientations will also vary from one model to another.

The important features you want

Whether you are buying a refrigerator for the first time or you are getting a new one to replace your old unit, you must know that people buy refrigerators for different reasons, and so you must keenly consider the features you want. For example, if you are not interested in making ice, then you don’t need a unit with a large ice maker. Or, if you already have a water dispenser in the living room, then it wouldn’t make sense to buy a huge unit fitted with a water dispenser. By being keen on the features, you will save a lot of money by not buying units with several features that may never be of use to you.

The opening mechanism for the doors

If you want a French-door style fridge, then the doors should open in a manner that will give you easy access to the contents of the fridge. If the opening mechanism is only one way, you may find yourself craning your neck to access the stuff inside the unit and this, may not be something you will find pleasurable. Again, if the doors are reversible, you should know which way you want them to open and see if they will be suitable for the location you want to place the fridge in your house.

The energy efficiency

Most of the new fridge models are more efficient than the ones that were available a decade ago. But still, you want to check on the energy rating of the unit so that you can gauge its energy efficiency. Be sure to check for the EPA energy star rating as this will be instrumental in the amount of energy it will use, which will, in turn, have an impact on the energy bill.

North Shore Appliance Repair Services

Hopefully, you get to know what you need to look at when buying a refrigerator. However, if you run into any trouble with your unit, you can always call for North Shore appliance repair professionals such as Service Servotech to check your fridge. In case of problems, you don’t want amateurs working on your fridge, and this is why you should trust Service Servotech for all your appliance repair needs. Whether you need LG refrigerator repair, Samsung refrigerator repair, or Kenmore refrigerator repair, including repairs for all fridge models, they are the right guys to call.

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But there are a number of reasons why your freezer may not be freezing, and it is always a good idea to call an expert for immediate fridge repair services.

Problems with the thermostat –

The thermostat is responsible for regulating the temperatures for the freezing process. Any problems with the thermostat may not just affect the freezing compartment alone, but the entire unit. Check to ensure that the thermostat is working just fine, and if something seems amiss, don’t hesitate to call for repair services.

Dirty Coils –

The coils should be clean and free from dust and debris, which might affect the effectiveness of the fridge. The work of the coils is to absorb and dissipate thermal energy, leading to the cooling of the freezer. When they are dirty, they will interfere with the refrigeration cycle, which may have an effect on the cooling of the unit.

Bad Door Seals –

When the refrigerator doors are loose, a lot of energy is lost into the environment. This results in the cooling efficiency being hampered and consequently it will be difficult for the proper freezing of the freezer compartment. Conduct the dollar test to ensure the seals are okay and if they are old or damaged, be sure to call a fridge repair service technician to have a look at it and either repair or replace the seals.

The post Fridge Repair: Why Is My Freezer Not Freezing appeared first on Service Servotech.

They include the following:

Clean the Coils

With time, dirt and dust will build up on the coils, and these will reduce the free flow of air, making the fridge become less efficient and consume a lot of energy. It can also cause the condenser and the compressor fan to overwork and overheat, leading to premature failure of the unit. To avoid all these, simply clean the coils regularly and ensure they are free from dirt, dust and any other kind of debris.

Clean the Gaskets

Clean gaskets will ensure proper sealing of the fridge and will enhance the overall lifespan of the unit. Additionally, it will make the unit more efficient and save you from huge energy bills because there will be minimal energy loss. Simply use warm water and a soft piece of sponge to clean the gasket on a regular basis so that you don’t suffer from unnecessary fridge repair costs brought on by dirty gaskets.

Don’t Slam Fridge Doors

Slamming fridge doors is a sure way to ruin your unit within a very short time. Door slamming may interfere with the unit’s circuitry – a service that will cause you hundreds of dollars in repairs. Additionally, slamming the door may cause the gasket to hold too tightly to the unit and may tear up when you attempt to open the unit again. It doesn’t require a lot to be gentle on the unit’s door when opening or closing.

The post 3 Simple Things You Can Do To Avoid Regular Fridge Repairs appeared first on Service Servotech.

This is because the coils compress and cool the refrigerant, which in turn ensures that cold air is supplied to the components to keep the stored food fresh. The good news is that cleaning the coils is quite easy, and it is not something you will have to call an appliance repair technician to do for you.

How to clean the coils

Before you start the actual cleaning process, it is a good idea to unplug the refrigerator from the power source to avoid any electrocution or any other related accidents.

Then you need to identify where the coils are. In most cases, at the bottom of the rear of the refrigerator or in front below the front door. If they are located at the back of the fridge, you will have to roll over the unit away from the wall, and check for horizontal lines of the grille vents. Unsnap the grille vent so that you have access to the coils.

With the grille out of the way, you will see thin metal bars spaced about one inch apart. Those are the coils you are supposed to clean in the following steps:

1. Remove the debris – use a soft bristle brush to remove all the dirt and debris that might be present on the coils. To do so, use gentle horizontal and vertical motion. There are special brushes in appliance stores for doing this type of job, but any paintbrush or rag will just work fine.
2. Vacuum the debris – After removing the buildup, use a vacuum’s detachable hose or a dust buster to pick up and remove dust.
3. Reattach the grille, return the unit to its rightful position, and then plug it back in.

That is how you clean the refrigerator coils the right way so that the fridge can work more efficiently, and to avoid regular appliance repair calls.

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The gasket is generally along the edges of the door, and if it is compromised in any way, the cooling capacity of the refrigerator will also be compromised. Dirt is one of the things that can ruin this critical component of your fridge, and here is how you can keep it clean:

Prepare the cleaning solution

The recommended cleaning solution by General Electric is one quart of warm water mixed with one tablespoon of baking soda. If you can’t afford to make this mixture, then you can still use a solution of warm water and mild soap or any other cleaner recommended by the appliance’s manufacturer.

Gently wipe the gasket

Wrap a microfiber cloth on a toothbrush, then dip it into the solution. After the wrapped end is well soaked with the detergent, gently wipe down the gasket. This will help you remove all the dirt, residue, mold, mildew, and also help in reducing any odors that might have been developing along the gasket. By removing all this dirt and debris, you make it easier for the gaskets to remain sealed when the door is closed, thus aiding in the efficiency of the unit.

Dry the gasket

After removing all the dirt and debris, take a soft kitchen towel and dry off any water that might still be on the gaskets. Once dry, take your time to check the seals for any breakages or tears, as this might hamper the smooth operation of the unit. If you notice any sign of degradation, call for appliance repair professionals immediately, to have the damaged seal replaced.

The post Easy Steps for Cleaning a Refrigerator Gasket appeared first on Service Servotech.

Get the right supplies

The right supplies for effective refrigerator cleaning should be some all-purpose cleaner, a soft sponge, a soft dish towel, and some paper towels.

Starting to clean

Before embarking on the actual cleaning process, take everything out of the refrigerator, and let it cool to room temperature. Begin by cleaning the shelves and gently removing any stains that have dried-in. Once done with the shelves, concentrate on the inner walls, scrubbing them gently and drying them up with the dish towel.

While removing things from the unit, conduct a quick audit and throw away the stuff that need not to be there, along with those whose expiration dates have passed.

Clean the outside of the refrigerator

Once done with the inside, focus your attention on cleaning the outside of the fridge as well. Spray the surface using the all-purpose cleaner, and wipe everything using the sponge, until it is clean. Conduct a visual inspection of both the interior and the exterior to note anything strange that might warrant the attention of a refrigerator repair technician.

Don’t forget about the fins

The cooling fins are located at the back of most refrigerators, and most people usually forget about them. Check them out and remove all dust, dirt and debris that might be sticking to them. When the fins are choked in dirt and other debris, the efficiency of the unit is greatly hampered, not to mention that it may lead to other complications, which might necessitate the services of a refrigerator repair technician.

The post Tips for Cleaning Your Refrigerator the Right Way appeared first on Service Servotech.

Here are some simple, but powerful tips to help you choose your next fridge:

Don’t base your decision on features

Refrigerator manufacturers know that you love features and they will include as many as they possibly can so that you pay a premium. If you base your purchase decisions on features, you may end up buying an expensive unit with features you will never use. Unless you have the budget, choose the fridge based on convenience and not the number of features it has.

Number of years in production

Aim at buying a refrigerator model that has been in production for a number of years. This is an indication that the model has stood the test of time and is likely to serve you conveniently without worrying about constantly calling for fridge repair services every now and then.

Check out the doors and the drawer

Choose a new refrigerator with sturdy doors and drawers. The doors should close well and the rubber seals should not allow for the escape of energy. You can do the dollar test to find out how good the door seals. Additionally, the doors should be strong enough, and not be susceptible to breaking, should your young kid attempt to hang on them.

Consider the types of food you store in the refrigerator

You should buy a refrigerator whose components will fit the kinds of foods you normally store. For instance, if you are fond of storing groceries, then it should be spacious enough to let you store the groceries properly. If you are buying a unit to store drinks, the compartments should also be designed accordingly.

The post Choose Your Next Refrigerator with These Simple Tips appeared first on Service Servotech.

Here are some tips worth considering in regards to enhancing the efficiency and longevity of your refrigerator:

Install a Fridge Guard

One of the most common problems fridge owners face is dealing with power surges that occasionally blow out the power unit of the fridge. To be protected against this, the solution is to invest in a decent fridge guard to protect your refrigerator from power fluctuations.

Regular care and maintenance

There are certain fridge care and maintenance practices that are imperative if you want your unit to serve you for longer. These will not just enhance efficiency, but also minimize the number of fridge repair calls you make to technicians. Some of these practices include:

• Regular cleaning of both the inside and outside components.
• Ensuring the door seals are intact
• Regular inspection by a qualified technician
• Proper temperature regulation, especially in the freezer component to avoid excessive frosting
• Storing the right types of foods

Avoid overloading the fridge

In addition to knowing what types of foods ought to be stored in the refrigerator, it is also vital to store the items in the appropriate quantities for efficient preservation. It is not a good idea to stuff the fridge since this may lead to a lot of energy consumption, poor preservation of the stored items and possible breakdowns, which might call for expensive appliance repair services.

The post Top Tips for a Safe and Efficient Fridge appeared first on Service Servotech.

Listed below are some of the causes of frosting, and how you can potentially fix it so that you avoid calling for fridge repair services:

Problems with the defrost cycle

Most of the fridges today come fitted with automatic defroster systems, which consist of a timer that detects when frost has formed, which then activates a heater to evaporate the frost on the coils. This is done in cycles, depending on how the fridge is being used, and the rate of the frost formation. Anything affecting the components of the defroster system is likely to impact its performance, and thus compromise its ability to evaporate the frost.

Air Circulation

If cool air is not allowed to flow property in the unit, frost may form when cold air comes into contact with warm and humid air. To prevent this from happening, the air vents should never be blocked, and also, the refrigerator should not be crowded or over packed with stuff.

Door problems

Problems with the door can also lead to frosting in the fridge. This will happen when the doors can’t close or are not sealed properly, thus allowing for air to infiltrate the compartments, which then lead to the formation of frost and ice. To stop this from happening, the doors of the unit should be closed properly to prevent any infiltration of air inside.

Faulty Icemaker

In some refrigerator models, warm air can access the compartments through the ice maker, if the flap of the seals are not closing properly. Check the flaps to ensure they are not broken, and are able to close in the right manner.

Watch out for the above, and you will minimize the amount of phone calls you make to your fridge repair technicians.

The post Top Causes of Frosting in Refrigerators and How to Fix It appeared first on Service Servotech.