Tag Archives: refrigerator repairs in nyc

What Temperature Should Your Refrigerator Be?

Food Tips, , , , , , , ,

Refrigerator thermometer inside the top shelf of a cool food storage fridge to make sure perishables are kept safe and cold enough.

We know that refrigerators are supposed to keep our food cold, but how cold is cold enough? If your fridge is too warm, your food will spoil, and if it’s too chilly, it will freeze. The key is finding an optimal temperature range, but not everyone knows what that is. Fortunately for you, the experts at Speedy Refrigerator Service are here to help – read below for all of the answers to your temperature-related questions.

 

What is the best temperature for your refrigerator?

According to scientists, bacteria growth rates spike at about 40° F, which is why this temperature range is considered to be the “danger zone” for food. On the other side of the spectrum, water freezes at 32°. For these reasons, the optimal temperature range for your refrigerator is between 34-38°.

 

How do I know if my refrigerator is at the right temperature?

Like anything else, the easiest way to measure the temperature of your refrigerator is with a thermometer. Some models have these built in, but if yours doesn’t, don’t worry. You can find thermometers made specifically for your refrigerator online or at a local retail store. Once purchased, set the thermometer on different shelves to make sure the temperature is consistent throughout your whole refrigerator.

 

Do you have any tips for keeping a consistent temperature?

If you find that you are having trouble keeping your refrigerator’s temperature consistent, these tips will make the job easier:

  • Open your refrigerator door less. If you are cooking a meal that requires multiple ingredients from your fridge, take them all out in one trip. Avoid keeping the door open for long periods of time.

  • Vacuum the condenser coils. These are located on the back of the unit and release heat. If they are coated in dust, warm air can’t escape and your refrigerator has to work harder to keep cool.

  • Make sure the seal is not damaged. The rubber seal on your door forms an air tight barrier. Just one small crack or loose edge can allow cold air to escape your fridge, even when the door is shut.

 

If your refrigerator is too warm, trust the experts at Speedy Refrigerator Service to keep it cool. As New York’s premier fridge repair service, we have all the tools and experience needed to fix any make or model of refrigerator. Our phone lines are open 24/7, so call us anytime at 866-782-9376.

Why Your Next Refrigerator Should NOT Have an Ice-Maker

Refrigerator Repair, , , , , , , ,

If you are in the market for a new refrigerator, you have a lot of things to take into consideration. You must think about the appliance’s size, style, storage space, and energy efficiency. You also need to consider additional features such as touchscreens, temperature-controlled compartments, and ice dispensers. While all of these features seem like obvious benefits, one of them might actually bring some hidden drawbacks.

The downfall of ice dispensers

At first thought, ice dispensers are great, right? Who doesn’t want an on-demand supply of ice cubes available at the push of a button? Unfortunately, they are not as great as they sound. Let’s take a closer look:

  • Ice dispensers bring added costs. iStock_000075196475_SmallNot only will a refrigerator with a built-in ice dispenser have a higher price tag, but they create additional costs down the road too. You have to consider that your utility bill will go up due to an increased use of water, and you will periodically have to buy new filters.

  • Ice dispensers take away storage space. If you already have trouble fitting food into your freezer, an ice dispenser isn’t going to make things any better. Valuable storage space will need to be given up in order to accommodate an ice bin, which is something most people don’t realize until it’s too late.

  • Ice dispensers need to be repaired more. This is the biggest downfall of ice dispensers: they break down. According to Consumer Reports, refrigerators with ice dispensers break down at a higher rate than those without them, and the repairs tend to cost more. Is it really worth it?

New York residents can have peace of mind knowing that if their refrigerator does break down, help is just a phone call away with Speedy Refrigerator Service. With one-hour service to all of Long Island and New York City, don’t trust anyone else to fix your refrigerator, freezer, wine cooler, or ice maker. Give us a call at 866-782-9376 to schedule your same-day appointment.

Easy DIY Solutions for a Warm Refrigerator

Refrigerator Repair, , , , , ,

The job of your refrigerator is quite simple: keep your food cold. However, how it gets the job done is actually a very complicated process.

Your refrigerator requires many pieces to work together in order to function properly, and if just one thing goes wrong, the whole unit will fail. If your fridge is too warm, try fixing it with these easy tips from Speedy Refrigerator Service.

Adjust the Thermostat

Almost every refrigerator comes with a thermostat, whether it is an adjustable knob or a digital screen. Sometimes, getting your refrigerator to cool down is as simple as adjusting the thermostat. Turn it down and wait 24 hours to see if your refrigerator’s temperature has dropped at all.

Check the Gasket

The gasket is the rubber seal on your refrigerator door and is responsible for forming an air-tight barrier. Just one small rip or tear in the gasket can cause your appliance to lose cold air, even when the door is shut. Closely examine your gasket for cracks, worn areas, or loose edges, and replace it immediately if you notice anything wrong.

Vacuum the Coils

The condenser coils are located on the back of most refrigerators and are responsible for releasing heat. Over time, these coils can become coated in a thick layer of dust, which hurts your refrigerator’s energy efficiency and ability to cool off. Clean your condenser coils twice every year by using the brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner.

Sometimes, a warm refrigerator isn’t always this easy to fix. Some issues, such as a malfunctioning compressor, should be left to the professionals. That’s where Speedy Refrigerator Service comes in.

If you have tried these solutions to no avail, it’s time to call in the experts. Speedy Refrigerator Service offers around-the-clock, 24/7 service to residents of Long Island and New York City. If your refrigerator, freezer, or ice maker breaks down, call us any time at 866-782-9376.

Different Parts of the Refrigerator and How to Care for Them

Refrigerator Repair, , , , , , ,

Refrigerator compressor unit

Many people refer to their refrigerator as the “ice box”, which implies that it is a simple appliance. On the contrary, it is a sophisticated machine that requires many components to simultaneously work together in order to keep your food cold. Here are some of the main parts of your refrigerator and what you can do to care for them.

Compressor

The compressor is the heart of your refrigerator. As the liquid refrigerant passes into the compressor, it becomes highly pressurized, raising its temperature and converting it to a gas. The gaseous refrigerant then enters the condenser coils for the next stage of refrigeration.

Tip: Decrease wear-and-tear on the compressor by opening your refrigerator door less, and keeping it open for as little time as possible.

Thermostat

Nearly every refrigerator has some type of thermostat – a device which allows you to regulate the temperature. High-end refrigerators allow you to set your preference to an exact degree, while economical models typically have a knob that ranges from “cold” to “coldest.”

Tip: For optimal food storage conditions, your refrigerator should be between 34-38° F.

Condenser Coils

The condenser coils are located on the back of most refrigerators (although some models have them underneath the unit). As the refrigerant flows through these long, windy tubes, it releases the heat it absorbs in the compressor.

Tip: Over time, these coils accumulate dust, which hinders their ability to release heat. Clean them every six months using the brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner.

Gasket

The gasket is the rubber seal that runs along your refrigerator and freezer doors. As you can probably guess, it is responsible for creating an air-tight barrier, helping to keep the cold air in your refrigerator when the door is shut.

Tip: Any small rip or tear in your gasket can really hurt your refrigerator’s energy-efficiency. Coat it in a thin layer of Vaseline every two months to prevent it from drying out and cracking.

If you are experiencing problems with these, or any other components in your refrigerator, call the repair experts at Speedy Refrigerator Service. We offer around-the-clock emergency service and guarantee one-hour service to New York City and Long Island. Call 866-782-9376 today.

Common Refrigerator Mistakes

Refrigerator Repair, , , , , , , ,

fridge-generator (1)

For such a universal appliance, there are a lot of mistakes that people make when it comes to their refrigerator. Mistakes that can spike their electricity bill, compromise food safety, and cause their fridge to break down prematurely. Here are five of those mistakes that you should avoid making.

Mistake #1: Not cleaning the condenser coils.

If you asked everyone you know when was the last time that they cleaned their refrigerator’s condenser coils, the vast majority of them would probably say never. These coils are located on the back of your appliance and are known to collect dust, which can negatively affect your energy-efficiency. Clean them every six months using your vacuum cleaner’s brush attachment.

Mistake #2: Letting frost build up.

If the inside of your freezer looks like an arctic snowstorm, it’s time to defrost it. When too much ice accumulates on the freezer walls, it can limit air flow in addition to reducing precious storage space.

Mistake #3: Neglecting the gasket.

The gasket is the rubber seal on your refrigerator door. It is responsible for creating an air-tight barrier that prevents cold air from escaping your fridge. Unfortunately, any loose edges, cracks, or tears in the gasket prevent it from doing it’s job, which ultimately increases the wear-and-tear on your appliance. Inspect your gasket every month to make sure all is well, and replace it immediately if you notice any problems.

Mistake #4: No method for stocking food.

When we get home from the grocery store and it’s time to unpack all of our food, many of us simply put it wherever it will fit. While this is a quick and easy method to stock your refrigerator, it’s not the best way. Where in the refrigerator you keep your food can impact how long is lasts, so be sure to stock smartly by following this advice.

Mistake #5: Not changing the water filter.

If your refrigerator has a water dispenser, make sure you are changing the filter in accordance with the manufacturers specifications. The older filters get, the less effective they are at removing impurities and bacteria from your drinking water.

Sometimes, these mistakes will cause your refrigerator to leak, make loud noises, or completely break down altogether. If you experience any of these problems, call the repair experts at Speedy Refrigerator Service. Our technicians have more than 75 years of experience repairing refrigerators and freezers all across Long Island. We guarantee one-hour service to Nassau and Suffolk County, so call us today at 866-782-9376.