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How to Help Your Fridge Beat the Heat


How to Care for Your Refrigerator in the Heat (And Keep It Running Smoothly All Summer)

Summer’s here—and while we’re all doing what we can to stay cool, don’t forget that your refrigerator is working overtime too. With higher temperatures and more frequent opening and closing (hello, popsicles!), it’s important to give your fridge a little extra TLC.

At Henry’s Electric, we’ve been helping Berkshire County households stay cool and comfortable since 1946. Here are our top tips to make sure your refrigerator keeps its cool all season long:

1. Keep It Full (But Not Packed Tight)

Your fridge actually runs more efficiently when it’s moderately full—items help maintain the cool temperature. But if it’s overloaded, air can’t circulate properly, which forces the motor to work harder. If you're running low on food, even just placing a few pitchers of water inside can help stabilize internal temps.

2. Give It Some Breathing Room

Make sure there’s at least a few inches of space between the back of your refrigerator and the wall to allow for proper ventilation. If the coils in the back or underneath don’t have room to release heat, your fridge will have a much harder time cooling.

3. Clean Those Coils

Dust and pet hair love to collect on condenser coils, especially in summer. When the coils are dirty, your fridge works harder and less efficiently. Unplug the unit and use a vacuum or coil cleaning brush to gently clean them every 3–6 months. It makes a noticeable difference in performance.

4. Limit Door Time

We get it—it’s easy to stand there browsing for a snack. But every time you open the door, warm air rushes in. Try to keep door openings quick, and make sure kids (and adults!) close it all the way.

5. Check the Door Seals

Worn or cracked gaskets (the rubber seal around your door) can let warm air in and cool air out. Test the seal by closing the door on a dollar bill—if it slips out easily, the gasket may need cleaning or replacing.

6. Keep It Out of Direct Sunlight or Heat

If your fridge is near a window or oven, it’ll have to fight off external heat as well. If you can’t relocate it, consider shading nearby windows with blinds or curtains during the hottest part of the day.

7. Mind the Temperature Settings

Set your fridge to 37–40°F and your freezer to 0°F. Too cold, and you're wasting energy. Too warm, and you risk food safety—especially in summer.

8. Don’t Ignore the Noises

If your fridge is making new or louder sounds, or if it’s running constantly, it might be a sign that something’s wrong. Give us a call—our in-house service department is trained and certified to keep your appliances running their best.

Bonus Tip: Got an older fridge in the garage? If that space isn’t climate-controlled, extreme heat can cause it to run inefficiently—or stop cooling altogether. It might be time to bring it inside or consider an upgrade.

Need Help or Have Questions?

At Henry’s Electric, we’re more than just a showroom—we’re your appliance partner for the long haul. Whether you need a quick fix, a professional cleaning, or a brand-new energy-efficient fridge, we’re here for you.

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