“Refrigerators cool faster and work more efficiently when the condenser coils can breathe,” explains Doug Rogers, president of the Mr. Appliance repair chain. Dirty and congested coils lead not only to higher energy bills, but also a shortened appliance lifespan.

Here’s a list of maintenance tips to make sure your refrigerator stays cool and calm:

• Every three months, vacuum the fan and condenser coils on the rear or bottom of the appliance using the brush attachment. Families with shedding pets should clean the coils monthly.

• Every three months, clean the door gasket with warm soapy water and towel dry. Inspect the seal for snugness all the way around. Replace when loose, cracked, or torn.

• Every six months, replace the unit’s water filter (when present) to ensure clean water and ice, and to prevent clogs and leaks.

• Always keep food covered to prevent odors from migrating throughout the fridge and freezer. An open box of baking soda ($1) will absorb odor-causing acids for up to three months.

• Always maintain an adequate amount of clearance on all sides of the appliance except for those that are zero-clearance or front-vented.

• Every month, empty out the icemaker bucket and start fresh, as old cubes can absorb odors.

• Every three months, verify that the appliance is level both front to back and side to side to ensure both proper door movement and ice maker operation.

Douglas Trattner has covered household appliances and home improvement for HGTV.com, DIYNetworks, and the Cleveland Plain Dealer. During the 10-year stewardship of his 1925 Colonial, he’s upgraded almost every household appliance. After lengthy deliberation, he recently replaced an aging top-load washing machine with an energy-efficient front-load unit.