Opening Refrigerator | Nassau County Refrigerator Service | Suffolk County

5 Ways to Reduce Your Refrigerator’s Energy Usage

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If you are like most Americans, you are looking for any way you can
to conserve energy. Whether it is to save your money or the
environment, we are always looking for opportunities to consume less
energy. Many times, this leads to us doing things like turning off
the AC on a hot day, but there is a way to cut your electricity bill
without sacrificing your comfort.
In the average home, the refrigerator accounts for roughly 20% of
your electricity consumption – follow these five tips to lessen
that number.
  1. Minimize
    door opening.     Every time you
    open your refrigerator door, as much as 40% of the cold air can
    escape – this number is even higher if you stand there with the
    door open looking for something to eat (we all do it). If you are
    preparing a meal that requires multiple refrigerated ingredients,
    take them all out in one trip to minimize how long your door stays
    open.
  1. Vacuum
    the condenser coils.     When is
    the last time you cleaned your refrigerator’s condenser coils? These
    winding tubes are located on the back of the fridge and are a
    critical component for your energy-efficiency. These coils can
    become coated with dust and hair, so make sure to clean them every
    3-6 months with your vacuum cleaner’s brush attachment.
  1. Defrost
    when needed.     Many new models
    are auto-defrosting, but if yours isn’t, you will need to take the
    time to do this yourself. As the inside walls of your freezer become
    covered in ice, you not only lose storage space, but
    energy-efficiency as well. You can use a hair dryer to defrost your
    freezer, or unplug it overnight until the ice melts.
  1. Give
    it some space.     As your
    refrigerator cools your food, it releases heat through vents in the
    back. If it is too close to the wall, cabinets, or other appliances,
    it cannot effectively cool down, and you will see the result of this
    in your monthly energy bill. Leave at least six inches of space on
    all sides to ensure adequate ventilation.
  1. Let
    your hot food cool.     Got a
    plate of future leftovers fresh out of the oven? Let it sit out and
    cool off for 30-45 minutes before putting it in your refrigerator.
    Putting hot foot straight into the fridge warms up other food around
    it, which can cause premature spoiling of foods in addition to
    higher energy consumption and extra wear-and-tear on your
    compressor.
If
your refrigerator is malfunctioning, it could also cause a spike in
your electricity bill. If you suspect that your refrigerator is not
operating properly, give the repair experts at Speedy Refrigerator
Service a call. We have been fixing fridges, freezers, ice makers,
and wine coolers across Long Island for more than 75 years – any
make or model! Our lines are always open, call us any time to
schedule a same-day appointment at 866-782-9376.
Meat Thermometer | Long Island Frigidaire Refrigerator Repair | NYC

Common Food Safety Mistakes

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Sometimes
a small mistake can have big consequences, especially when it comes
to food safety. Some foodborne illnesses, such as salmonella, only
require 20 cells to be consumed before you become sick. Don’t be one
of the 48 million Americans that will get food poisoning this year,
avoid making these common food safety mistakes.
Thawing Food on the
Counter
In an effort to quickly defrost their frozen food, many people put it
on the counter for a couple of hours. The problem with this is that
pathogens on your food grow extremely quick at room temperature. Thaw
your food in the refrigerator or in cold water; if you are in a rush,
use the microwave.
Not
Washing Hands Enough
Washing your hands is vital in limiting your contact with harmful
bacteria – both inside the kitchen and out. For an effective hand
wash, use soap and warm water, and wash your hands for at least 20
seconds. You should be washing your hands several times throughout
the food-prepping process, especially if raw meat is involved.
Not
Replacing Sponges & Dish Rags
Sponges and dish towels are two of the dirtiest items in your entire
kitchen. Sponges provide a moist, dark climate that bacteria thrives
in, and multi-purpose rags are a leading cause of
cross-contamination. Have separate towels for the dishes, wiping down
counters, drying hands, etc. and make sure to wash them in hot water
regularly.
Eating
Undercooked Meat
Do not rely solely on sight and taste to determine if your meat is
fully cooked, the only way to know for sure is with a food
thermometer. Harmful bacteria can still live in cooked meat unless it
has been thoroughly heated all the way through to at least 160° F.
Keeping
Your Refrigerator Too Warm
Food safety experts refer to anything warmer than 40° F as “The
Danger Zone” because bacteria growth rates begin to rapidly spike
at this temperature. Keep bacteria at a standstill by keeping your
refrigerator between 32-38° F.
View more common food safety mistakes at FoodSafety.gov
Is your refrigerator failing to keep a cold, consistent temperature?
The experts at Speedy Refrigerator Service can fix it – we have
been repairing refrigerators and freezers in the tri-state area for
over 75 years! No matter the make or model, our licensed technicians
have the experience to get the job done, call us anytime to schedule
a same-day appointment at 866-782-9376.
Woman Selling Refrigerator | Queens Frigidaire Refrigerator Repair

Refrigerator Buying Guide

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New
refrigerators have an average lifespan of 12-15 years, so it isn’t
too often you find yourself in the appliance store looking for a new
one. If you haven’t been refrigerator shopping within the past
decade, you may be overwhelmed with the shiny new models and
high-tech features, but don’t be.
Just
follow this step-by-step refrigerator buying guide to find the one
that’s right for you:
  1. Try
    Repairing First.         If you
    are buying a new refrigerator to replace an existing, broken unit,
    it may be worth your while to try repairing it first. Many times,
    your refrigerator can be fixed for a fraction of the cost of a new
    model.
  1. Set
    a Budget.         If buying a new
    refrigerator is your only option, the first thing you will want to
    do is set a budget. The fancy features on some of these new
    refrigerators may entice you, but you will quickly shop yourself out
    of your price range if you are not careful.
  1. Choose
    a Style.         After setting a
    budget, you will want to choose which type of refrigerator you want.
    Refrigerators come in four styles: top-freezer, bottom-freezer,
    side-by-side, and French door. Each one offers their own advantages
    and disadvantages, learn about them here.
  1. Size
    it Up.         After choosing a
    basic style, measure your kitchen to find out how much space you
    have to work with. Then measure again. There is nothing worse than
    thinking you have found the perfect fridge, then bringing it home
    only to find out it is too big for your space.
  1. Shop
    Around.     Before making your
    final purchase, check out a few different retailers to see who
    offers the best price. There are several nationwide appliance
    chains, local stores, and even online retailers that you can choose
    from, you want to make sure you are getting the most value for your
    money.
  1. Make a Purchase.
    When
    you have found the best deal on a refrigerator that suits your needs
    and wants, it’s time to make the purchase. Be sure you know what is
    included in the price you pay; many companies offer free delivery
    and pick up of your old fridge.
If
you have decided to repair your existing refrigerator instead of
buying a new one, look no further than the refrigeration experts at
Speedy Refrigerator Service. For more than 75 years, Long Island
residents have depended on us to fix their fridges, freezers, ice
makers, and wine coolers. Our lines are open 24/7 and we offer
same-day service, just give us a call at 866-782-9376.
Onions in Bowl | Speedy Refrigerator Service

How to Prevent Foods from Transferring Odors in the Fridge

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If you
have ever left a cling-wrapped bowl of chopped onions in the
refrigerator overnight, you already know that smells and flavors are
capable of intermingling in the fridge. For those of us who have been
fortunate enough not to learn this lesson the hard way, take this
warning: foods with strong odors can and will transfer their flavors
onto other foods.
The two
biggest culprits of this are garlic and onions, as they are some of
the strongest smelling and tasting ingredients found in the kitchen.
Commonly infected foods include milk, cheeses, butter, and eggs.
Keep
your food tasting as it should with these tips:
  • Store food in
    sealed containers.     When
    it comes to containing strong odors, plastic wrapped plates aren’t
    enough. Instead, use lidded storage containers with thick walls and
    airtight seals.
  • Use baking soda.
    Baking
    soda is truly a versatile thing; you can use it to clean your teeth,
    do your laundry, and even deodorize your fridge. Just open up a box
    and stick it on the top shelf, it naturally absorbs strong odors so
    your other food won’t.
  • Keep a safe
    distance.     If
    you really want to play it safe, keep your strong-smelling foods
    isolated on the top shelf and your sensitive dairy products at the
    bottom of the refrigerator.
What
other refrigerator problems are you experiencing? Leaking, loud
noises, failing to keep cold? Speedy Refrigerator Service can fix it!
For more than 75 years, homeowners across Long Island have depended
on us to repair their refrigerators, freezers, ice makers, and wine
coolers. We guarantee one-hour service to anywhere in Nassau and
Suffolk County, call us any time at 866-782-9376.
Frozen Grapes | Speedy Refrigerator Service

5 Foods You Have to Try Frozen

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When
somebody asks you what’s the best way to enjoy your favorite fruit or
sweet treat, the word “frozen” probably doesn’t come to your
mind. But, with the hot August weather, sticking some of these foods
in the freezer is the perfect way to enjoy a unique snack and cool
down from the sweltering heat at the same time.

Here
are five foods that you need to try frozen; who knows, you may never
go back.
Bananas
Simply
peel them, stick them in the freezer, and enjoy! These creamy treats
are as tasty as they are versatile; blend them to make a parfait,
cover it in chocolate and nuts, or chop them up and eat them with
your ice cream.
Lemonade
There
is a reason why parks, fairs, and sports stadiums all sell frozen
lemonade – because it is delicious! This classic summertime
favorite can be made extra refreshing when stuck in the freezer or
blended with ice.
Grapes
When it
comes to frozen fruits, grapes may be at the top of the list. Rinse
them before freezing and you will be able to enjoy these tiny,
bite-sized snacks on the go. Looking to take it a step further? Drop
a few frozen grapes in your next glass of wine – it will help keep
it cold without tainting the flavor!
Marshmallows
Whether
you have jumbo marshmallows, mini marshmallows, or a jar of fluff,
you have got to try it after freezing. There are many ways to enjoy
it: eat it straight up, add it as an ice cream topper, or even drop
some in your next glass of hot chocolate.
Reese’s Peanut Butter
Cups
Think
there’s nothing better than the combination of chocolate and peanut
butter? Try it frozen. Most candy bars taste amazing after spending a
couple hours in the ice box, but Reese’s peanut butter cups are a
step above the rest.
This is
just the start – there’s plenty more foods that taste amazing when
frozen! Check out this list of 30 for more ideas.
Want to
try these tasty creations, but can’t because of a broken freezer? No
matter the make or model, whether it is standalone unit or connected
to your fridge, Speedy Refrigerator Service can fix it. We have been
repairing refrigerators, freezers, ice makers, and wine coolers for
more than 75 years, and we offer same-day appointments in the comfort
of your own home. If you live on Long Island, call us any time at
866-782-9376 and we will be at your door in one hour, guaranteed!