Michigan State University Extension
Home Maintenance and Repair - 01500232
12/04/98
Refrigerator Care
Locate away from heat sources like range, radiator,
or sunny window.
Never run frost-free refrigerators with freezer
compartments in unheated areas with air temperature below
60 F. unless specially designed for such conditions.
When the air temperature goes below 60 F. the compressor
runs less, keeping temperatures in the refrigerator
compartment cold enough for fresh food but not cold
enough in the freezer compartment to keep food quality
there. At air temperatures below 40 F. the compressor
stops running, so the freezer compartment rises to air
temperature and food thaws and spoils. Also below 32 F.
water melted during the automatic defrost cycle may
freeze again and block air passages.
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For seasonal homes with heat left on at very low
temperatures, or long winter vacations with heat turned
down in home, remove all food, unplug, clean thoroughly,
dry, and leave door ajar so air can circulate. Be sure no
child can get into empty refrigerator in your absence
and become trapped! If you can't use up food, give it
away or throw it away; food that spoils in a refrigerator
can create odors that may require discarding the
refrigerator!
For short vacations, leave refrigerator on but use
up or discard perishable food, and if you have an ice
makers, turn off the mechanism and water line following
your manual directions.
If you have a chilled water dispenser, and room
temperatures may go below freezing (as in moving, winter
trip) shut off water and drain water tank following
directions in your appliance manual.
Do not cram refrigerator so full that cold air can't
circulate freely to chill food. Cover or wrap all foods
stored, especially in frost-free models, to prevent
drying out, and transfer of odors.
In models that need defrosting, do not use electric
defrosters or other hot objects where they can touch
plastic liners or parts; they could melt. Always unplug
refrigerator before defrosting. Never use sharp objects
which could damage the evaporator coils.
This article was written by Anne Field, Extension
Specialist, Emeritus.
This information is for educational purposes only. References to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned. This information becomes public property upon publication and may be printed verbatim with credit to MSU Extension. Reprinting cannot be used to endorse or advertise a commercial product or company. This file was generated from data base 02 on 02/27/01. Data base 02 was last revised on 12/04/98. For more information about this data base or its contents please contact cook@msue.msu.edu . Please read our disclaimer for important information about using our site.
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