Keeping Your Fridge Functional Through Regularly Defrosting
You might run into experiences with your fridge or freezer being packed with so much frost and ice that it seems like a blizzard came through. Although it may seem that the unit is doing what it is intended to do, this is usually not the case. This issue often indicates a thermostat problem, which can cause damage to the fridge when left to continue. The easiest way to fix a thermostat problem is to start by defrosting the entire unit entirely.
It may seem as easy as removing everything from the refrigerator, then unplugging it and waiting, but there is more to it than that. Here are some of the things to look out for when proceeding with a full defrost:
Plan the Storage of Perishable Goods Properly
Like it takes for a fridge to start working, defrosting takes several hours to complete a full cycle. If you have frozen goods that will spoil if thawed, as well as perishable food products that require refrigeration to stay fresh. Depending on the size of your fridge, you may need a cooler or multiple ones to store these goods while your unit thaws out. If you schedule your routine defrosting, you may also be able to cut down on your grocery list to prepare for a fridge clearing.
Detach the Unit From Any Power Source
Mitigating electric flow into the refrigerator is one of the initial steps that are important in the defrosting process. Keeping the door of the unit open while plugged in merely leads to decreased energy efficiency and increased power consumption, which may damage the internal parts and electricals. When damaged, the fridge may lose it’s functionality and may require a change or a major repair.
Dry the Interior of the Fridge After Completing the Task
Technicians suggest cleaning the fridge with a cloth to remove moisture and puddles that may have occurred while defrosting. Only switch on the unit once it is completely dry to keep it in working condition, because extra moisture may damage the internals. You also would not want puddles left behind to turn into ice, as removing frozen elements in the freezer is the goal.
Avoid Using Sharp Objects to Remove Ice and Frozen Items
There is no doubt that stabbing and picking out the ice that has formed will make the process faster. However, using sharp objects to remove formed ice is dangerous to the interior of your fridge. One wrong move or slip and they may cause punctures in the walls of the unit, which will compromise its insulating abilities. Additionally, holes and slashes on the interior can lead to water leaking into the wiring and electricals of the refrigerator, which may cause irreversible damage.
Be Careful When Dealing with Electrical Components
Remember that ice is made from frozen liquids and liquids are the enemy of electronics. When there are leaks or when ice thaws, they may damage electrical components and circuitry, as well as become a fire hazard if sparks occur from the reaction. Defrosting will surely leave puddles and excess water, which is to be expected and looked out for just in case to avoid damage.
Conclusion
Refrigerator units are not exactly cheap, and if you really invested in one, you will want it to last as long as possible. With the right care and maintenance instructions, keeping your fridge alive will be easy and seamless. With all the food items we consume and avail of, the fridge is something that each household needs to survive.
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