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The refrigerator is one of the hardest working appliances in any home. Your fridge is constantly running, and it must be in good working condition in order to keep your perishable food items at optimal storage temperatures. Taking the time to maintain your refrigerator can be a simple and effective way to prevent the hassle of a fridge that suddenly stops working.

Here are three simple maintenance tasks that you can complete to keep your fridge fresh well into the future.

1. Ensure proper air flow.

Your refrigerator relies on a part known as a condenser to create the cool air that circulates throughout the appliance and keeps your food cold. In order to function properly, the condenser needs access to proper air flow.

Located at the rear of your fridge, a slotted panel protects the condenser's intake valve. As air is pulled into the condenser for cooling, dirt and debris can collect on the protective panel's slots. Taking the time to dust off the panel regularly will ensure that dirt and debris don't impede the flow of air into your fridge's condenser.

2. Keep the gasket in good condition.

If you look along the outer edge of your refrigerator door, you will see a length of supple rubber fitted into a channel that runs around the frame of the door. This piece of rubber is known as the gasket.

The gasket plays a critical role in keeping room temperature air from seeping into your refrigerator. In order to create a tight seal, the gasket cannot have any rips or tears. Replace a gasket with signs of damage to prevent your fridge from overworking, and keep the gasket pliable by conditioning it will a little petroleum jelly on a regular basis.

3. Pay attention to the hinges.

Your refrigerator door is opened and closed many times throughout the day. This means that the hinges attaching the door to the refrigerator itself are used heavily. In order to keep the hinges in good working condition, you need to lubricate them regularly.

You should always use a food-grade lubricant to prevent contamination, and conduct a visual inspection of your fridge's door hinges to spot signs of cracking or other damage. Lubricating functional hinges and replacing damaged ones ensures that the door will fit properly into your refrigerator, maximizing its efficiency.

Knowing how to properly maintain your fridge will ensure that it stays functional well into the future. Be sure that you clean the panel protecting the condenser's intake valve, condition the door's rubber gasket, and lubricate the door's hinges to keep your fridge fresh. For more information, contact local professionals like Jensen Appliance & Refrigeration.