Keep your Condenser Coils Clean.

This is probably one of the more important things to maintain on your Refrigerator. If the coils get covered in pet hair or dust, this will cut down on the Energy Efficiency. This will cause the compressor to run hotter than it normally would with clean condenser coils. The extra stain on the compressor will dramatically reduce it’s life and cause you a huge headache down the road. The Condenser Coils are usually located under the Refrigerator or on the Back of the Refrigerator.
Locate away from heat sources like range, radiator, or sunny window.

Correct Temperature Settings

If the Refrigerator’s temperature is set too low, it will have to run more to cool to a lower temperature. That means, not only is it going to cost you more to keep your groceries cold, but now you are adding extra run time on the compressor that really doesn’t need to be there. Place a thermometer inside the refrigerator compartment. You want the temperature to be around 37 degrees.

Checking your Door Gaskets for Leaks

It’s important to keep your door gaskets clean. If they aren’t kept clean they can stick to the Refrigerator and cause cracks and tears. If the gaskets are cracked or torn, cold air will escape. This just adds to the run time and can cause other problems.

Keep the Refrigerator and Freezer Sections Full

The more food you have in your Freezer the better your machine will maintain the proper temperature. There will be less air inside that warms up when you open the doors. Therefore you Refrigerator doesn’t have to run as long to cool back down to the set temperature.

Minimize the Time the Doors are Open

Every time you open the doors to the refrigerator, warm air gets in and the cold air comes out. That’s a fact. Nothing you can do about it. But, you can control how long you stand there and let this happen. Go over to your refrigerator and open the door and stand there, what happens? It kicks on and has to cool down the warm air you left in.

Replace Burnt out Light Bulbs

If you can’t see in your refrigerator, you are just going to stand there with the door open longer.

Don’t put hot foods in the Refrigerator

Whenever possible, allow leftovers to cool to room temperature before placing them in the Refrigerator. This will cut down on the amount of warm air inside the refrigerator and save some run time on the compressor.