A little upkeep keeps a refrigerator running efficiently for its full 10–15 year life.
Ideal temperatures
- Fridge: 37°F (3°C).
- Freezer: 0°F (−18°C).
- Give a new fridge a few hours to reach temperature before loading it fully.
Simple upkeep
- Vacuum the condenser coils about twice a year.
- Replace the water filter roughly every 6 months.
- Keep it reasonably full (not packed).
- Check the door gasket seals.
Repair or replace? Most refrigerators last 10–15 years. If a repair costs more than half the price of a comparable new unit — and the fridge is already 8+ years old — replacing usually makes more sense, and a newer model likely uses less energy too.