3 Reasons You Should Clean Your Refrigerator Gasket

September 23, 2015Refrigerator Repair, Uncategorizedcleaning refrigerator gasket, how to clean refrigerator gasket, reasons to clean refrigerator gasket, refrigerator gasket, why should you clean your refrigerator gasketadmin

When
was the last time you cleaned your refrigerator? More specifically,
your refrigerator’s gasket? The gasket, also known as the seal, is
the rubber strip that runs around your refrigerator door. This
often-forgotten-about component is more important than most people realize,
and cleaning it should be high on your priority list.

Here
are three reasons why you should regularly clean your refrigerator gasket:

To prevent mold and
bacteria.

Because
nobody ever thinks to clean it, refrigerator gaskets are a common
hiding spot for mold. This is one of the worst places for a mold
infestation because it is in such close proximity to the food that
you eat every day. Keep mold away by scrubbing your gasket with a
non-abrasive sponge and a mild cleaning detergent every month.

To keep it from drying
out.

The
gasket is almost always one of the refrigerator’s first components that needs
replacing. When left neglected, the rubber seal tends to dry out and
crack. This can have many negative effects, so it is recommended to
replace them as soon as possible if you notice visible signs of
wear-and-tear. Prevent this from happening to you by applying a thin
layer of Vaseline on your gasket every two months.

To keep your refrigerator
energy-efficient.

As
mentioned in the last section, a broken gasket can have multiple
negative effects on your refrigerator. First off, a crack in the seal
means that your fridge will lose cold air, even when the door is
closed. This increases the workload on your compressor, which can
shorten the lifespan of your appliance and cause a spike in your
energy bill.

If your
gasket is broken, a DIY replacement can be a pain in the neck.
Instead of worrying about finding one that fits properly and correctly
installing it yourself, contact the refrigeration experts at Speedy Refrigerator Service. We guarantee one-hour service to New York City
and Long Island, so give us a call at 866-782-9376.

3 Reasons Your Refrigerator Compressor Might Fail

September 21, 2015Refrigerator Repair, Uncategorized3 Reasons Your Refrigerator Compressor Might Fail, causes for refrigerator compressor failure, reasons for failure refrigerator compressor, reasons why compressor might break down refrigeratoradmin

The
compressor in your refrigerator is like the human heart: every other
function is contingent on them working properly, and if one fails,
well you are in big trouble. Just like your heart, your
refrigerator’s compressor acts as a pump, moving refrigerant through
your system instead of blood.

In
order to keep your refrigerator running for years to come, it is
important that you take care of your compressor. Here are three
things that can cause your compressor to prematurely fail.

Overheating

As compressors operate, they generate heat. All compressors are
designed to withstand normal thermal gains from friction and motor
windings, but extreme spikes in temperature can cause your unit to
fail. Overheating can occur as a result of electrical imbalances,
lack of ventilation, or the malfunctioning of other components.

Contamination

Only two substances should be present inside your refrigeration
system: refrigerant and oil. Anything else is considered a
contaminant. Common compressor contaminants include air, moisture,
soldering flux, dirt, dust, and any other debris that can enter when
services aren’t performed properly.

Lack of Lubrication

Just like oil is essential for the motor in your car, adequate
lubrication is vital to a healthy compressor. A lack of lubrication
will result in increased wear-and-tear on your compressor, as well as
the possibility of overheating.

If you live on Long Island or in New York City and think your
compressor could be at risk of failure, call the refrigeration
experts at Speedy Refrigerator Service. We are currently offering a
special promotion for our refrigerator tune-up: you can get your
condenser coils cleaned, your compressor oiled, freon levels checked,
and more for just $39.95. Click here for more information or call
866-782-9376 to book your same-day appointment with one of our
certified technicians.

How Cold Should Your Refrigerator Be?

September 17, 2015Refrigerator Repair, Uncategorizedbest refrigerator temperature, how cold should my refrigerator be, optimal fridge temperature, refrigerator temperature, what temperature setting is best for my refrigeratoradmin

The
refrigerator has one main purpose: to keep your food cold. If your
refrigerator fails to keep your food at an adequate temperature, the
consequences could be worse than a mushy avocado or an unrefreshing
glass of water.

Foodborne
illnesses hospitalize hundreds of thousands of people every year, and
many cases are caused by improper food storage. Read below to find out
everything you need to know about keeping your food and drinks cold,
refreshing, and most importantly: safe.

Optimal Refrigerator
Temperature

The
best temperature to keep your refrigerator at is between 34-38°
Fahrenheit. Anything lower than 32° and your food will start to
freeze, anything higher than 40° and bacteria growth rates begin to
spike. Anywhere between 32 and 40 is fine, but 34-38° is a happy
middle ground.

How to Monitor Your
Refrigerator Temperature

Some of
the newer, more upscale refrigerator models come with a digital
thermometer and thermostat to set your preference to an exact degree.
Unfortunately, not all of us are lucky enough to own one of these, so
the only way to reliably measure the temperature of your
refrigerator’s interior is with a fridge thermometer (pictured above). Make
sure to keep the thermometer on the middle shelf, as the temperature
inside of your refrigerator can vary and this will give you the most accurate reading.

Tips for Keeping a
Consistent Temperature

Try out
the following tips to consistently keep your refrigerator at the
desired temperature:

Minimize
the amount of times you open the refrigerator door throughout the
day.
Avoid
keeping the refrigerator door open for long periods of time.
Keep
your refrigerator well-stocked, it will retain its temperature
better when the door is open.
Make
sure your the seal on the door isn’t ripped or broken. If it is, cold air can escape even when the door is shut.

If you
notice that your refrigerator is failing to keep a cold, consistent
temperature, it could be due to mechanical failure. Before you scrap
your current refrigerator and hit the appliance store to look for a
new one, consider repairing it for a fraction of the cost. If you live
on Long Island or in New York City, call Speedy Refrigerator Service
at 866-782-9376.

4 Ways to Repurpose Your Old Refrigerator

September 14, 2015Refrigerator Repair, Uncategorizedrefrigerator repurposing ideas, repurposed refrigerators, repurposing, repurposing ideas, upcycled fridges, upcycling, upcycling ideas, ways to repurpose old refrigeratoradmin

Up-cycling,
also known as repurposing, is a trend in which people are finding
creative new ways to use their old junk. Some examples of repurposing
include turning an old bureau into a bathroom vanity, or cutting a
bathtub in half and adding legs and cushions to create a
one-of-a-kind couch.

With a
little bit of free time and imagination, you can find some awesome
new uses for your old refrigerator. Here are four of the coolest
ideas we found on Green Eco Services:

Turn it into a shelving
unit.

The
refrigerator was build to store food, but that doesn’t mean it can’t
store other things. Remove the door and turn it into a bookshelf, or
add some finishing and transform it into your very own armoire.

Make a pond in your
backyard.

Have
you dreamed of adding a scenic pond to your backyard? If you have a
broken refrigerator, you already have a container to hold your water.
All you need to do to turn your dream into a reality is remove the
toxic chemicals, bury it in the ground, and add plumbing.

Enhance your garden.

If you
are trying to spice up your garden, purchasing a raised flower bed
can set you back hundreds of dollars. Instead of shelling out your
hard-earned money for a flower bed, turn your old refrigerator into
one; it requires very little cash or effort.

Make a desk.

Turn
your old ice box into a fully functioning desk by properly draining
and disposing of the liquid refrigerant, removing the shelves and
trays, putting in a sliding shelf, and adding wood finishing to throw
it all together!

Before
dismantling your refrigerator and turning it into something else, it
may be worth your while to try fixing it first. 90% of broken
refrigerators can be repaired with just a few new parts, all for just
a fraction of the cost of a brand new appliance.

If you
are looking for a fast, reliable refrigerator repair company in New
York, look no further than Speedy Refrigerator Service! Our licensed
technicians have been servicing New York City and Long Island for 75
years, call us today to schedule your same-day appointment at
866-782-9376.

Food Safety During a Power Outage

September 2, 2015Refrigerator Repair, Uncategorizedfood safety no power, food safety power outage, how to keep food fresh during power outage, how to keep food safe when power goes out, power outage food safety tipsadmin

If you
live in the northeast, power outages are a year-round threat. Between
snow storms in the winter, thunderstorms in the spring, and hurricane
season running through the summer and fall, we are in constant danger
of losing our electricity.

Besides
the lack of light and entertainment, one of the biggest obstacles to
overcome during a blackout is how to prevent the food in our
refrigerator from going bad. According to FoodSafety.gov, food in the
refrigerator will last a maximum of four hours during a power outage,
and frozen goods will last up to two days.

Unless
you have a generator, this is something you are going to have to deal
with, so it is best to be prepared. Use these tips during the next
power outage to keep your food fresh for longer and avoid illness.

Prepare Ahead of Time

If
you know of an upcoming storm, head to the store and buy block ice
or dry ice. Putting this in your refrigerator and freezer can help
extend the lifespan of your food.
Stock
up on ready-to-eat foods which don’t require refrigeration or
cooking.
Fill
your freezer. Even if it is with gallons of water, a full freezer
will keep colder than a half-full one.

When the Power Goes Out

Keep
the refrigerator and freezer door shut unless you absolutely need
something in it. Every
time you open the door, as much as 40% of the cold air can escape.
If
you have a cooler, fill it with drinks and items which you will eat,
along with some ice. Keep foods that you want to save, like raw
meats, in the refrigerator so that you can keep the door shut.
Covering
the refrigerator in blankets and newspaper can add insulation and
help keep food colder.

When the Power Comes Back

Use
a thermometer to check the inside temperature of the refrigerator.
If it reached 40° F or higher, you will have to discard of your
perishable items.
Inspect
each item individually to make sure it looks and smells OK.
When
in doubt, throw it out! No meal is worth suffering from food
poisoning.

Power
outages are not the only time where we must deal with a refrigerator
not keeping our food cold. If your refrigerator is broken, it could
fail to keep a reasonable temperature even when the power is on. If
you are experiencing a malfunctioning refrigerator, give the experts
at Speedy Refrigerator Service a call. We offer one-hour service to
Long Island and New York City, so call us today at 866-782-9376.

To prevent mold and bacteria.

To keep it from drying out.

To keep your refrigerator energy-efficient.