Fridge Repair Services in Nairobi | BestApplianceRepairs-0709004600
Your refrigerator is one of the most hardworking appliances in your home, running 24/7 to keep your food fresh. In Kenya, where a quality fridge costs between KSh 25,000 and KSh 150,000, making it last longer saves you significant money. Most refrigerators are designed to last 10-15 years, but with proper care, you can extend the lifespan of your fridge well beyond that.
Clean the Condenser Coils Regularly
The condenser coils at the back or bottom of your fridge release heat. When dust accumulates on these coils, your fridge works harder and consumes more electricity. Clean these coils every six months using a vacuum cleaner or coil brush. This simple task can extend the lifespan of your fridge by reducing strain on the compressor and can save you KSh 500-1,000 monthly on electricity bills.
Maintain the Right Temperature Settings
Set your fridge between 3-4°C and your freezer at -18°C. Temperatures that are too cold waste energy and overwork the compressor, while temperatures that are too warm risk food spoilage. Check your temperature settings with a thermometer every few months. Proper temperature control helps extend the lifespan of your fridge and keeps your food safer.
Keep the Door Seals Clean and Intact
The rubber gaskets around your fridge door prevent cold air from escaping. Dirty or damaged seals force your fridge to work harder. Clean the seals monthly with warm soapy water and check for cracks or looseness. Test the seal by closing the door on a piece of paper—if you can pull it out easily, the seal needs replacement. A new door seal costs KSh 1,500-3,000 but can extend the lifespan of your fridge by years.
Don’t Overload or Under-Load Your Fridge
A packed fridge blocks air circulation, while an empty one works harder to cool empty space. Keep your fridge about 75% full for optimal performance. Use water bottles to fill empty space if needed. Proper loading allows cold air to circulate efficiently and helps extend the lifespan of your fridge.
Allow Proper Ventilation Space
Leave at least 5-10 cm of space around all sides of your fridge for air circulation. Refrigerators placed too close to walls or in enclosed spaces overheat quickly. This is especially important in Kenya’s warm climate. Good ventilation prevents the compressor from overworking and helps extend the lifespan of your fridge significantly.
Defrost Your Freezer Regularly
If you have a manual defrost fridge, defrost when ice buildup exceeds 6mm thick. Excessive ice makes your fridge work harder and reduces efficiency. For automatic defrost models, check that the defrost system works properly. Regular defrosting can extend the lifespan of your fridge and reduce power consumption by up to 30%.
Level Your Refrigerator Properly
An unlevel fridge strains the compressor and prevents doors from sealing properly. Use a spirit level and adjust the front legs until your fridge is perfectly level or tilts slightly backward. This KSh 200 tool helps extend the lifespan of your fridge by ensuring optimal operation.
Protect Against Power Fluctuations
Kenya experiences frequent power surges and outages that damage fridge compressors. Install a voltage stabilizer (KSh 3,000-8,000) or surge protector (KSh 1,500-4,000) to protect your appliance. Compressor replacement costs KSh 15,000-40,000, so this investment helps extend the lifespan of your fridge and prevents costly repairs.
Service Your Fridge Annually
Schedule professional maintenance once a year. A technician will check refrigerant levels, test the compressor, clean internal components, and identify potential problems early. Annual servicing costs KSh 2,000-5,000 but can extend the lifespan of your fridge by preventing major breakdowns.
Use Your Fridge Efficiently Daily
Let hot food cool to room temperature before refrigerating. Open the door only when necessary and close it quickly. Organize contents so you can find items fast. Cover liquids and wrap foods to prevent moisture buildup. These habits reduce the workload on your fridge and help extend the lifespan of your fridge naturally.
The Bottom Line
Following these practical steps can extend the lifespan of your fridge from the standard 10-15 years to 20 years or more. The cost of preventive maintenance—roughly KSh 5,000-10,000 annually—is minimal compared to replacing a fridge that costs KSh 50,000 or more. Start implementing these tips today to protect your investment and enjoy reliable refrigeration for years to come.
