A clogged or frozen defrost drain lets water overflow the drain trough and drip into the bottom of the fridge, which overworks the unit and can lead to a soggy kitchen floor.
Five Ways to Make Your Fridge Last Longer
The fridge is one of the most expensive appliances in the house, and a handful of small, easy-to-miss habits can quietly take years off its life.
Clean the Defrost Drain
Wipe Down the Door Gasket
Debris and sticky spills left on the door seal can damage the gasket and let cold air escape, so wiping down the door edges regularly keeps the fridge running efficiently.
Clean the Coils Once a Year
Dusty coils stop the fridge from dissipating heat properly, forcing the compressor to work harder and longer; a once-a-year cleaning can eliminate roughly 70 percent of service calls.
Replace the Water Filter on Schedule
For fridges with an ice or water dispenser, an old, clogged, or dislodged filter can cause a cascade of problems, so keeping it on a replacement schedule is worth the few minutes it takes.
Keep the Freezer at the Right Temperature
The freezer should sit between zero and five degrees Fahrenheit; going above 15 degrees can stop the defrost thermostat from working, which overworks the fridge and shortens its life (and puts food safety at risk).
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