How to Extend the Lifespan of Your Refrigerator

By FridgeRepairKenya.com

Your refrigerator is one of the hardest-working appliances in your home. Day and night, it keeps your food fresh, your drinks cold, and your perishables safe. But like any machine, it’s not invincible. Without proper care, even the best refrigerators can break down prematurely, leaving you with costly repairs or the need for a replacement. The good news? With a little effort and know-how, you can extend the lifespan of your refrigerator well beyond its average expectancy of 10-15 years.

At FridgeRepairKenya.com, we’ve seen it all—from fridges that gave up too soon due to neglect to those that lasted decades with proper maintenance. In this guide, we’ll share expert tips to help you keep your fridge running smoothly for years to come. Let’s dive in!

Why Refrigerator Maintenance Matters

A refrigerator isn’t just a convenience—it’s an investment. Replacing one can set you back thousands of shillings, not to mention the hassle of spoiled food and downtime. Regular maintenance doesn’t just save you money; it also ensures your fridge operates efficiently, keeping your energy bills in check and your groceries fresh. By following these simple steps, you can avoid common issues like compressor failure, leaks, or poor cooling performance.

1. Keep the Coils Clean

The condenser coils, usually located at the back or bottom of your fridge, play a critical role in dissipating heat. When dust, pet hair, or dirt builds up on them, your fridge has to work harder, putting strain on the compressor (the heart of the appliance).

How to do it:

• Unplug the fridge for safety.
• Use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment or a coil cleaning brush to gently remove debris.
• Clean the coils every 6-12 months, or more often if you have pets or live in a dusty area.

A clean coil setup can improve energy efficiency by up to 25%, according to some studies—meaning a longer life for your fridge and lower electricity costs.

2. Check the Door Gaskets Regularly

The rubber seals (gaskets) around your fridge and freezer doors keep cold air in and warm air out. If they’re cracked, loose, or dirty, your fridge will lose efficiency, forcing the motor to overwork.

How to test and maintain them:

• Perform the “paper test”: Close the door on a piece of paper. If it slides out easily, the gasket may need attention.
• Clean the gaskets with warm soapy water and a soft cloth every few months.
• Replace worn-out gaskets promptly—contact a trusted service like FridgeRepairKenya.com if you’re unsure how to do it yourself.

A tight seal keeps your fridge running optimally and prevents unnecessary wear.

3. Don’t Overload Your Fridge

It’s tempting to cram your fridge full, especially after a big shopping trip, but overcrowding restricts airflow. Without proper circulation, the compressor works overtime to maintain the temperature.

Tips for proper loading:

• Leave space between items for air to move freely.
• Avoid blocking the vents inside the fridge or freezer.
• Store leftovers in airtight containers to maximize space and minimize odors.

A balanced load keeps your fridge happy and reduces strain on its components.

4. Set the Right Temperature

Running your fridge too cold or too warm can shorten its lifespan. The ideal temperature for the refrigerator compartment is 3-5°C, while the freezer should be set to -18°C. Anything outside these ranges can overwork the system or fail to preserve food properly.

How to check:

• Use an appliance thermometer to verify the settings.
• Adjust the dials as needed, and give it 24 hours to stabilize before rechecking.

Proper temperature control not only extends your fridge’s life but also keeps your food safe.

5. Defrost When Necessary

If you own a manual-defrost fridge or freezer, ice buildup is your enemy. A thick layer of frost (more than 0.5 cm) forces the appliance to work harder, increasing wear on the motor and raising energy consumption.

Defrosting tips:

• Unplug the fridge and remove all items.
• Let the ice melt naturally (place towels to catch water) or use a bowl of warm water to speed things up.
• Never scrape ice with sharp objects—use a plastic spatula if needed.

For frost-free models, this isn’t an issue, but keeping an eye on unusual frost buildup can still signal a problem worth addressing.

6. Keep It Level

An uneven fridge can cause the doors to misalign, strain the compressor, or lead to leaks. Over time, this imbalance wears out parts faster than necessary.

How to level it:

• Use a spirit level to check the fridge’s position.
• Adjust the feet (most fridges have adjustable legs) until it’s even.
• Ensure it tilts slightly backward so the doors close naturally.

A stable fridge runs more efficiently and lasts longer.

7. Give It Breathing Room

Your refrigerator needs space to ventilate heat effectively. If it’s squeezed into a tight corner or pushed flush against a wall, the coils can’t release heat properly, leading to overheating.

Placement tips:

• Leave at least 5-10 cm of space behind and on the sides of the fridge.
• Avoid placing it near heat sources like ovens or direct sunlight.

Good airflow is a simple yet powerful way to protect your fridge’s longevity.

8. Address Problems Early

Strange noises, inconsistent cooling, or water pooling under your fridge are red flags. Ignoring these signs can turn minor issues into major breakdowns.

What to do:

• Listen for unusual humming, clicking, or rattling—note when it happens and call a professional if it persists.
• Monitor temperature fluctuations or spoiled food.
• For expert diagnostics and repairs across Kenya, trust FridgeRepairKenya.com to get your appliance back in top shape.

Early intervention can save you from costly replacements down the line.

9. Schedule Regular Professional Maintenance

Even with diligent care, some parts—like the thermostat, fans, or refrigerant levels—require a professional touch. A technician can spot wear and tear you might miss and keep your fridge running at peak performance.

How often?

• Aim for a professional check-up every 1-2 years, depending on your fridge’s age and usage.

At FridgeRepairKenya.com, our skilled technicians offer affordable maintenance services to keep your fridge humming along for years.

Your refrigerator doesn’t have to be a short-term investment. With these practical tips—cleaning coils, checking gaskets, maintaining the right temperature, and addressing issues promptly—you can add years to its lifespan while keeping it efficient and reliable.

If you’re facing a stubborn problem or need expert advice, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at FridgeRepairKenya.com. We’re here to help Kenya’s households keep their fridges in top condition, one repair at a time. Have a tip of your own? Share it with us in the comments below—we’d love to hear from you!

Stay cool,
The FridgeRepairKenya.com Team