Changing a fridge seal, also known as a gasket, is a common repair that can improve your refrigerator's efficiency and keep food colder. A damaged or worn seal allows cold air to escape and warm air to enter, making the appliance work harder.
Why Change Your Fridge Seal?
A faulty fridge seal is one of the most common reasons for poor cooling performance and higher energy bills. Here are some signs it's time to replace your seal:
- Visible Damage: Cracks, tears, gaps, or hardening of the rubber.
- Poor Seal: The door doesn't stay shut tightly, or you can feel cold air leaking around the edges.
- Condensation or Ice Buildup: Excess moisture or frost inside the fridge, especially near the door opening.
- The "Paper Test": Close the fridge door on a piece of paper. If you can easily pull the paper out, the seal is weak in that spot.
Here's a quick comparison:
| Signs of a Bad Seal | Signs of a Good Seal |
|---|---|
| Cracked, stiff, or torn rubber | Soft, flexible, and intact rubber |
| Air leaks felt around door edge | No air leaks felt |
| Paper pulls out easily from seal | Paper is difficult to pull out |
| Condensation or ice buildup inside | Minimal to no condensation/ice buildup |
Steps to Change Your Fridge Seal
Replacing a fridge seal is a relatively straightforward process, although the exact method can vary slightly depending on your fridge model and the type of seal.
1. Prepare and Get the Right Seal
- Identify Your Fridge Model: Look for the model number sticker inside the fridge (usually on a side wall or ceiling) or on the back.
- Order the Correct Seal: Purchase a replacement seal specifically designed for your fridge model. Seals are often available online or from appliance parts stores. Ensure it's the right size and attachment type.
- Gather Tools: You might need a flathead screwdriver, a putty knife, a cleaning cloth, and mild soap and water.
- Warm the New Seal (Optional but Recommended): A new seal can be stiff. Warming it up can make it more flexible and easier to install. You can do this by letting it sit in a warm room, using a hairdryer on a low setting, or briefly placing it in warm (not hot) water. Dry it thoroughly if using water.
2. Remove the Old Seal
Fridge seals are typically attached in one of two ways:
- Push-In (Dart Style): The most common type. The seal has a dart-shaped edge that pushes into a channel around the door's perimeter. Simply grab a corner or edge of the old seal and pull it away from the door frame. Work your way around the door, pulling gently but firmly.
- Screw-In/Retained: The seal is held in place by a panel or screws hidden under the seal's flap. Carefully peel back the seal to locate screws or clips holding the panel. Unscrew or unclip the panel to release the seal.
3. Clean the Area
Once the old seal is removed, clean the channel or surface where the seal attaches. Use mild soap and water to remove any dirt, grime, adhesive residue, or mold. A clean surface ensures the new seal sits properly and forms a tight bond. Dry the area completely.
4. Install the New Seal
This is where the technique for installing the new seal comes in. For many push-in style seals, getting the corners and edges seated correctly is key.
- Start at a Corner: Align a corner of the new seal with a corner of the door channel.
- Push In Firmly: Begin pushing the dart edge of the seal into the channel. According to a guide on replacing fridge freezer door seals, you should push in the corner first.
- Work Towards the Middle: Once the corner is secure, work your way along the edge, pushing the seal firmly into the channel towards the middle of that side.
- Repeat for All Sides: Continue pushing the seal into the channel, working from the corners towards the middle of each side. The video guide suggests that working into the middle will make your life so much easier. Ensure the seal is fully seated all the way around the door.
Note: If your seal is the screw-in type, align the new seal, reattach the retaining panel or screws, and ensure it sits flush.
5. Test the New Seal
Close the fridge door and check if it seals properly. You can perform the paper test again in several spots around the door to verify the seal's tightness. You might also feel the outer edges of the door to check for cold spots indicating air leaks. If there are gaps, gently push the seal further into the channel in those areas.
Tips for Success
- Ensure you have the correct replacement part. A seal for a different model or brand might not fit properly.
- Take your time during installation, especially when seating the new seal.
- After installation, it might take a few hours for the new seal to fully settle and conform to the door frame.
By following these steps, you can effectively replace your fridge seal, improving performance and saving energy.
