Category Archives: Refrigerator Repair

Refrigerator Thermometer | Speedy Refrigerator Service

How Cold Should Your Refrigerator Be?

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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.
Old Refrigerator in Field | Suffolk County Refrigeration Service

4 Ways to Repurpose Your Old Refrigerator

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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.
Power Outage Supplies | Suffolk County Refrigeration Service

Food Safety During a Power Outage

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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.
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.