Refrigerators FAQ – 9 of the most commonly asked questions
Most of us don’t give much thought to an item we use constantly throughout the day – your refrigerator. As long as it’s working, we are satisfied. However, there are times when some questions arise about how to keep this important kitchen appliance running at it’s best.
FAQ 1 – What are the steps to moving a refrigerator?
This is one of the most common questions we get. This is what you will need to do to move a fridge without damaging anything:
- Turn the refrigerator off several hours before moving.
- Disconnect power cord.
- Empty the refrigerator of all food and clean the interior.
- Secure loose parts (shelves, ice storage bucket, etc. According to GE, models that have a French door, with a freezer on the bottom, and compact models must remain upright during transportation, but it’s a good idea to transport all models upright if you can.
- Secure the refrigerator and wrap it in a blanket.
FAQ 2 – How long should my refrigerator last?
Small refrigerators typically operate for an average of 14 years, and a standard one can usually run up to 17 years. The useful life of your refrigerator is affected by its care and manufacture.
FAQ 3 – How do I care for my refrigerator?
Since proper care can extend your refrigerator’s life expectancy of your refrigerator, take these maintenance steps.
- Position your refrigerator away from the oven or stove. Ensure that the coils on the back have free space a few inches from the wall.
- Clean the coils on a regular basis to remove debris and dust.
- Clean inside once a month and check that the temperature is been 37 and 40 degrees. Make sure to include the seals with soapy water. Use white vinegar on any mildew.
- If your model has a drip pan, empty it out and and clean every season.
FAQ 4 – What are the newest features on refrigerators?
- New color options besides the upscale look of stainless steel (now with fingerprint resistance) include all black refrigerators as well as brushed bronze or copper.
- Some models from GE have a Keurig K-Cup Brewing System built in.
- Samsung has different models like the family hub fridge with a smart voice assistant, so you can your fridge to order food on Grubhub, play Pandora radio on built-in speakers, or add groceries to your list. Other manufacturers also employ wi-fi connectivity.
- Open door alarm.
- The LG InstaView refrigerator has a unique see-through door-in-a-door feature to easily access this area without having to open the whole door. You can also knock on the window of the transparent door to turn on the lights.
FAQ 5 – What are some specialty refrigerators?
New options besides the standard refrigerators are on the market, such as undercounter beverage and wine refrigerators with dual temperature controls to store drinks in two different temperatures.
Some have the capacity to store up to 14 bottles of wine at the ideal temperature. The newest addion to the lot are the portable refrigerators.
FAQ 6 – What do new refrigerators cost?
Depending on what features you want, the price can vary drastically, and factors like the time of year and brand make a difference between the bare-bones budget fridge at $700 or so, and the top of the line newer family models at between $1,500 and $4,000.
FAQ 7 – What are different layouts for refrigerators and what are pros and cons of each?
- Freezer on the top: The most standard model is a freezer on the top, and refrigerator on the bottom, each with a single door that opens from the left. This is probably going to be the cheapest model you can find.
- Freezer on the bottom: This arrangement allows slightly easier fresh food access. It’s sometimes priced slightly higher than top freezer models.
- Side-by-side: This arrangement stores frozen food on the left and refrigerated foods on the right.
- French doors: This is a pricier option but very popular. These models combine a drawer at the bottom for the freezer and full-width double doors on the top.
FAQ 8- How often should the water filter be replaced?
Owners’ manuals suggest to change the filter twice a year. If you are on city water, your water may be clean enough to replace the filter just once a year.
FAQ 9 – How much energy does it take to run a refrigerator?
Your refrigerator is not as much of your electric bill as you may think. With energy efficient models, you are probably paying about $5 per month when operating normally.
