Fridge Maintenance Tips: How to Maintain Your Refrigerator for Summer in Texas
How to Maintain Your Refrigerator for Summer in Texas
Summers in Texas can be brutally hot, and your refrigerator works overtime to keep food safe and fresh. Just like your air conditioner needs tune-ups, your fridge also needs regular care especially when temperatures soar. If you’re living in Dallas, Fort Worth, or anywhere in the Lone Star State, these fridge maintenance tips will help your appliance run efficiently all summer long. Proper maintenance not only prevents breakdowns but also saves energy, extends your fridge’s lifespan, and keeps your groceries safe. Whether you’re prepping for a heatwave or just trying to lower your electric bill, here’s how to get your fridge summer-ready with expert-backed advice.
Set the Right Temperature (and Keep It There)
Let’s start with the most basic but important of all fridge maintenance tips: set the correct temp control.
Recommended temperature settings:
- Refrigerator compartment: 37–40°F (3–4°C)
- Freezer: 0°F (-18°C)
Many people set it too cold or too warm, especially during seasonal changes. Fluctuating temperatures can spoil food or overwork the compressor. Always check the built-in thermostat, and if your fridge has a digital panel, verify it’s accurate with an appliance thermometer. If you notice inconsistent cooling, it might be time for professional service or a recalibration of the temp control settings.
Clean the Condenser Coils Regularly
This is one of the most overlooked but crucial fridge maintenance tips especially in dusty Texas homes or homes with pets. Dirty coils force your refrigerator to work harder to release heat, which increases your energy bill and shortens its life.
How to perform condenser coil cleaning:
- Unplug the fridge before starting.
- Find the coils, which are often located underneath or near the rear of the device.
- Use a coil brush or vacuum with a nozzle attachment to remove dust and debris.
- Do this every 3 to 6 months, or more frequently during summer.
Clean coils can improve cooling efficiency by up to 30%. It’s one of the easiest ways to boost performance without spending a dime.
Don’t Overload the Refrigerator
During summer BBQs and family gatherings, it’s easy to jam your fridge full of drinks, leftovers, and snacks. But overloading it restricts airflow and causes uneven cooling.
Make sure:
- Air can circulate between items.
- Vents inside the fridge aren’t blocked.
- Items are spaced evenly, especially in the freezer.
One of the most practical food storage tips is to group similar items together: meats on the bottom shelf, dairy in the middle, and condiments on the door. This promotes better airflow and makes it easier to find what you need.
Keep the Door Seals Tight and Clean
Warm Texas air entering your fridge every time you open the door can cause a serious dip in cooling efficiency. That’s why checking your fridge’s gasket (door seal) is a key part of fridge maintenance tips.
Test the seal:
- Place a dollar bill between the door and the fridge.
- Close the door. If the bill slips out easily, the seal is worn out.
Also, clean the seal monthly using warm, soapy water to prevent mold and debris buildup. Damaged seals should be replaced immediately to prevent energy loss.
Give Your Fridge Breathing Room
Fridges release heat from the back and bottom, so make sure there’s enough space for ventilation. In cramped kitchens or built-in cabinetry, heat can build up quickly—especially during the Texas summer.
Tips for better airflow:
- Leave 2–3 inches of space around the back and sides.
- Avoid keeping things on top of the refrigerator as this can retain heat.
- Ensure the bottom grille (kick plate) isn’t clogged with dust.
Keeping your fridge ventilated allows the condenser coil cleaning process to be more effective and helps your unit run efficiently.
Clean the Interior Often
Spilled sauces, expired leftovers, and leaky containers not only create odors but also impact airflow and cleanliness. A dirty fridge can also attract pests—a common issue during hot Texas months.
Cleaning tips:
- Use a solution of vinegar and water to wipe down shelves and drawers.
- Rinse bins thoroughly before returning them.
- Check expiration dates and throw out anything spoiled.
Good hygiene is one of the most underrated food storage tips and supports overall fridge performance.
Check and Adjust Temp Control After Power Outages
Texas summers often bring thunderstorms that cause power outages. After a blackout, always check your temp control settings to ensure they haven’t reset or been affected.
Additionally:
- Discard any perishable food that was above 40°F for more than 2 hours.
- Keep the fridge closed during outages to maintain cold air.
Smart refrigerators often reset automatically, but older models may need manual adjustment.
Use the Right Containers for Food Storage
Humidity and condensation can be a challenge in summer, leading to soggy produce or spoiled leftovers. Using proper containers is one of the best food storage tips you can apply right away.
Choose:
- Airtight containers for leftovers
- Produce bins with ventilation holes
- Glass containers for visibility and freshness
Label and date your items to keep track of shelf life and avoid overcrowding the fridge with expired food.
Change the Water Filter
If your fridge has a water and ice dispenser, don’t forget to replace the filter every 6 months—or more often during peak use in summer.
Why it matters:
- Keeps your water tasting clean
- Prevents clogs in the water line
- Improves ice quality and production
It’s a small step that supports overall hygiene and performance and complements your other fridge maintenance tips.
Schedule a Summer Maintenance Check
If your fridge is older than 5 years or hasn’t been serviced recently, consider hiring a professional for a tune-up. A technician can inspect refrigerant levels, clean internal components, and verify temp control accuracy. At Universal Repair Services, we offer seasonal checkups and full refrigerator diagnostics throughout the DFW area to help homeowners avoid costly breakdowns especially in summer.
