A refrigerator thermostat/cold control is basically the brains of the refrigerator cooling system—it runs the show. Thermostats are typically found inside the refrigerator and have a knob that allows users to adjust the temperature setting.

According to the UK food standards agency, the ideal fridge temperature for food is 8°C and below. Taking into account the temperature drop from the opening and closing of the fridge door, the fridge should be set at a temperature between 1-5°C.

The safe refrigerator temperature range in the main compartment is 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below, with 37 degrees Fahrenheit being considered the optimal for holding foods cold. Place a refrigerator thermometer inside the main compartment to track the temperature.

Often the back of the fridge is the coldest, and the bottom is colder than the top if the fridge isn’t too full. The door isn’t quite as well insulated, and when you open it the front gets warmed up a little more than the back.

The optimum temperature range for storing fresh food is between 38 – 40 degrees Fahrenheit. If your food is freezing, then it is possible that your fridge’s temperature setting was accidentally set too low. This is a common problem that can lead to your refrigerator freezing food.

The condenser coils are located either under the refrigerator behind the base grille, on the back of the refrigerator or on the top of the refrigerator. To minimize the possibility of electric shock, always unplug the refrigerator from the power supply before attempting any maintenance or cleaning.

When the coils are clogged with dirt and dust, they can’t efficiently release heat. The result is your compressor works harder and longer than it was designed to, using more energy and shortening the life of your fridge. Clean the coils with a coil cleaning brush and vacuum.

Clogged coils can cause poor cooling. Check to make sure nothing is stuck in the condenser fan and that it spins freely (models with coils on the back won’t have a fan). To do this, unplug the fridge and pull it out. Plug in the fridge and make sure the fan runs when the compressor is running.

Condenser Coil Cleaning Cost Your coils are located beneath the refrigerator and can collect dirt and grime. When that happens, the condenser can freeze. This can cause leaks and your refrigerator to warm up. Cleaning the coil costs between $60 and $100, depending on how hard they are to access.

replace. Built-in refrigerators are almost always worth repairing. Not only are they less expensive to repair but typically have a longer lifespan anyways. Side-by-side refrigerators should be repaired within a five-year window and considered for replacement after that.

To keep your refrigerator humming, you should clean coils every six months to a year, more often if you have shedding pets.

One thing that will be noticeable when the evaporator coil is dirty is that your AC won’t produce air that’s as cold as it should be. When the heat transfer is reduced, the efficiency of the cooling process is impacted. If it becomes clear that the AC isn’t cooling your air, have the evaporator coil inspected.

Experts recommend that you clean behind your fridge at least once every three months. This will keep dust and bits of food to a minimum, which in turn can reduce the occurrence of pests and allergies.

Every 3 to 4 Months Empty the fridge of all its contents and purge anything old or that you’ll never use. Take the crisper and meat drawers out. Wipe down the shelves and interior walls of the fridge with a cloth dipped in warm soapy water.

Your Fridge Will Grow Creatures But more often then not, they get pushed to the back of the fridge to rot. When that happens, mold and bacteria can start to grow, and you really don’t want these things hanging out by your food. You can make your fridge even more germy by simply using it.

A refrigerator can last anywhere from 10 to 20 years. The older your unit is, the more it may cost to repair it. Eventually the cost of repairs will start to outweigh the cost of a replacement.

Using a solution of one part vinegar and one part water in a spray bottle, spray the inside of your empty freezer and wipe with a sponge. For stubborn stuck-on spots, allow the vinegar solution to soak for a few minutes before wiping, or try a magic eraser.

Cleaning Inside of a Refrigerator The best cleaner is a combination of abrasive salt and bubbly soda water. Create a homemade all-purpose cleaner by combining the following in a gallon of hot water: 1 cup clear ammonia, ½-cup vinegar and ¼-cup baking soda. Pour into a spray bottle, or use from a bowl with a sponge.

Clean the inside of the fridge with a solution of two tablespoons baking soda and one quart hot water. (Food absorbs odors, so it’s best to use unscented mild cleaners.) Rinse with a damp cloth, then dry with a towel. Soak the removable sections in the same solution; scrub, rinse, and dry.

USE A SOLUTION OF 1 TABLESPOON OF LIQUID BLEACH IN 1 GALLON OF WATER TO SANITIZE YOUR REFRIGERATOR. DO THIS AFTER CLEANING IT WITH HOT, SOAPY WATER. Put the shelves, drawers, and other removable parts back in the refrigerator, along with the other items you took out.