8 tips to extend the life of your cooling appliance

The days are getting warmer, and our cooling appliances are running at full capacity. Summer places particularly high demands on your refrigerator, wine chiller, air conditioning unit, freezer, and similar appliances. To ensure that they continue to cool reliably even when outdoor temperatures are high, we have 8 tips on how to extend their lifespan.

1. Give them shade

Whether it’s your wine chiller, refrigerator or freezer, direct sunlight heats the appliance, which in turn increases energy consumption. Choose a shady location, especially when using portable appliances.

2. Ensure distance to the wall

Almost all cooling appliances need room to “breathe”. Keep them slightly separated from the wall or other furniture so that the warm air can circulate freely.

3. Check the door seals

Refrigerators should close as tightly as possible. Porous seals let warm air in. You can easily test the seal of your appliance by closing a strip of paper in the door and then gently pulling on it. If it slips out without resistance, the seal is due for replacement.

4. Avoid overloading

Many refrigerators and freezers work overtime in the summer months. To ensure that the air can circulate inside, try not to overload your appliance.

5. Check the temperature

Many appliances run cooler than necessary. For a refrigerator, 5–7°C is sufficient, and a freezer needn’t drop below -18°C. Air conditioners should be set to a maximum difference of 6°C from the outside temperature.

6. Don’t leave the door open for too long

In summer, warm air flows into refrigerators, freezers and wine chillers particularly quickly. So decide which ice cream you want before opening, and close the door right after you take it out.

7. Listen for unusual noises

Is your appliance suddenly humming, gurgling or dripping? Then it’s better to look into it early or ask a professional for advice. You can often prevent major damage in this way.

8. Dust regularly

Especially in summer, dust and pollen accumulate more quickly on the ventilation grilles and the backs of your appliances. Clean the ventilation slits and cooling fins regularly – this improves efficiency and extends the service life.

The bottom line: Maintenance pays off

With a little care and attention, you can significantly extend the service life of your cooling appliances and save energy. This pays dividends, especially in summer. And when it’s finally time for a new model, repair or recycle your old appliance correctly – so that the environment also keeps its cool.