How To Extend Your Outdoor Refrigerator’s Life?

The following ways should be considered in order to extend the life of your outdoor refrigerator-

1. Pace It In Dry Place

   It’s not always “all-weather”, that is, it can endure rain, snow, and hurricanes just because it’s an “outside” refrigerator. Keep it away from the sink, pool, and other water sources, and protect it from the rain.

   Bring it inside while it’s raining outside if it isn’t already integrated into your outdoor kitchen island. If the electrical components are not properly weatherproofed and UL-approved for outdoor use, this is especially crucial.

2. Keep Out Of The Direct Sun

   Sunlight will heat things, as we all know. However, we believe the contents of our refrigerator are protected from additional heat because the sun is not shining on its interior.

   Heat is removed from within a refrigerator and released onto the outer atmosphere. The heat won’t be discharged effectively if the outside temperature is too high.

   Additionally, the metal and other components of the fridge conduct heat. Your food and beverages will absorb some heat if the insulation is not thick enough.

   You can incorporate it into (or put it beneath) a kitchen island or cupboard to keep it out of direct sunlight. Alternatively, you may keep your refrigerator shaded and covered.

3. Maintain Ventilation

   As we just said, freezers need to dissipate their internal heat into the surrounding air. The heat can’t escape if there isn’t any air surrounding it, or if the air isn’t sufficiently refreshed, so the contents don’t grow chilly.

   The so-called “built-in” refrigerators include a front vent to ensure that hot air can escape the appliance, even if it is installed tightly into an outdoor kitchen island or other types of cabinet.

   The top, rear, and sides of “freestanding” refrigerators must be exposed to some air to release heat because they lack a vent on the front.

4. Carefully Read The Manual

   The installation manual or owner’s manual for your refrigerator contains all this information on how to maximize its use, but most people just choose not to read it.

   Pay attention to things like-

   • What kind of conditions and temperatures the refrigerator can withstand without malfunctioning
     what types of security you’ll need to offer?
   • If you incorporate your refrigerator into a cabinet or island, how much space will you need to leave around it?
   • Best cleaning techniques and the safest cleaners to use

5. Have A Routine For Cleaning The Freezer And Fridge

   All types of food, especially perishables, are kept in refrigerators. Cleaning them frequently would stop any mold growth and spills in these perishable foods.

   Additionally, bacteria and bad odors would be eliminated.

   If you don’t do this, your refrigerator may become a breeding ground for bacteria, contaminating your food and possibly endangering the health of everyone in the house.

   Whenever you can, quickly wipe it down. Future issues could be avoided by scheduling a complete cleaning once per month and defrosting the freezer as often as necessary.

   The following considerations should be made when cleaning the freezer-

   • First, unplug the refrigerator.
   • Remove everything.
   • Grab some baking soda, and then clean the entire freezer.
   • Use a clean cloth and clean water to rinse it.
   • Put a small bowl of lime juice and vinegar inside your refrigerator for one whole day to maintain a pleasant scent.

6. Condenser Coil Cleanup

   The metal object at the back of the refrigerator is referred to as the condenser coil. It is exposed to all the filth, grime, and dust because it is outside.

   The coils cannot effectively release heat when they are clogged with dirt and debris. The condenser would have to work harder, increasing energy costs and reducing lifespan.

   When necessary or twice a year, clean it. For extra thorough cleaning, you might use a vacuum with a soft brush attachment.

7. Use Only The Appropriate Temperature

   Although it can occasionally be tempting, cooling your refrigerator too much is bad for the equipment. Your refrigerator will start to work harder again if the temperature is lowered below what is advised. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

8. Ensure That There Is Enough Room Between The Inside Items

   Never stuff your refrigerator to the brim. Its air vents would be covered if you did, which would decrease airflow. Your compressor on and off mode may be activated if there is inadequate ventilation inside.

   Keep everything off the fridge’s top as well. Placing goods on the top shelf could trap air and compromise the refrigerator’s chilling capacity.

9. The outdoor Refrigerator Is Not A Shelf

   Some people like to use an outdoor refrigerator as a shelf by stacking pots, pans, and potted plants on top of its frame.

   This, however, does nothing more than force the heated air that rises inside the refrigerator to descend.

   This might lead to the refrigerator’s motor overheating, which would limit the appliance’s lifespan. Generally speaking, smaller objects are acceptable, but larger ones need to find a new home.

10. Clean The Door Gaskets

    The refrigerator door gaskets prevent cold air from escaping, but spills and food residue can accumulate and prohibit them from creating a tight seal.

    With the door closed, water won’t have a chance to evaporate between the folds of the gaskets, so wipe them out with a moist sponge or towel and make sure to dry off any extra.

    If you spot any mold, you’ll need a disinfectant or cleaning agent to kill it. However, check the owner’s manual for your refrigerator first to see if certain products need to be avoided.

11. Switch Out The Water Filter

    Replace the water filter in your refrigerator once every six months. It might be difficult to determine whether aftermarket filters remove pollutants and germs from your drinking water, so be aware of them.

    On the other side, you can probably just skip the filter if you’re sure that your water supply is secure and you don’t want to spend an extra $100 or so a year on filters. To keep the water running in some freezers, you must insert a cartridge plug. (The refrigerator should have included this.)

12. Clean Out Ice/Water Dispenser

    On your dispenser and its tray, a white film may accumulate over time. Although it’s disgusting, it won’t shorten the lifespan of your refrigerator.

    With a sponge dipped in a solution of equal parts water and white vinegar, you may remove the film. You might have to soak the tray in the mixture if it won’t come off.

13. Do Not Overfill Or Empty Your Refrigerator

    You shouldn’t overfill or underfill your refrigerator. To keep your food cold, your refrigerator relies on constant, cool air circulation inside the appliance.

    The compressor in your refrigerator has to work harder to maintain the temperature of your food if there are too many objects inside. An empty fridge, though, might not seem to be a concern.

    However, if your fridge is empty, it may have to work harder to chill the hot air and space than it would cool food items, which maintain a cool temperature more readily than space.

    Therefore, we advise against overfilling or underfilling your refrigerator. The fridge operates as intended when there are a sufficient amount of objects inside.