Refrigerator/Freezer Maintenance:

Keep the top of the refrigerator clear and make sure there is at least a 1/2-in. clearance on sides.

Make sure the refrigerator is level or tilted back slightly so the door closes completely.

Once a month:

Clean door gasket with 1 tsp. of baking soda dissolved in a quart of warm water. Besides cleaning the gasket, it will keep it soft and pliable.

Two times a year:

Clean coils with a condenser coil brush ($9), available at an appliance dealer. The coils are usually behind the snap-out grill at the front bottom of the unit. On older models, they're located in the back and are partially covered by cardboard. Unplug the unit first so you don't strike the moving fan. Even when the unit is unplugged, avoid disturbing the insulation or bending the fan blades, which could damage the fan. If your pets shed, do this four times a year.

Test the door gasket. A leaky gasket wastes energy and shortens the life of the compressor. Close the refrigerator door on a dollar bill at various places along the door, and pull lightly. If the bill does budge, replace the gasket (about $60). Peel back the gasket enough to loosen the retainer strip screws and slip a new one in place.

Change the inline water filter on the ice-maker after turning off the source water. Use a bucket to catch water in the system. Buy recommended replacement filters.

Once a year:

Slide the refrigerator out and vacuum around and beneath it. Left unattended, this dirt will end up on the coils.