A leaking refrigerator door can cause a number of problems, including wasting energy, increasing your energy bill, and shortening the lifespan of your refrigerator.You can also ruin your food.Changing the door seal is not that difficult of a process.
Step 1: Understand the difference between a gasket and a door seal.
Every fridge has one.This gasket is made out of rubber.The function of the gasket is to keep the refrigerator cool.It prevents the air outside the refrigerator from getting cold.A worn or bad seal will allow cold air to leave the fridge and allow warm air in.The food inside the refrigerator could be spoiled more quickly if the temperature increases.It will cost you more money in energy.
Step 2: Maybe you need to replace the door seal.
There are gaps between the gasket on the door and the refrigerator gasket.If your refrigerator seems to be running more frequently, or if it seems like it is losing cold air, you may need a new gasket.It is possible to inspect the door gasket for condensation or black mold.If you see either of those things, you need a new gasket because the cold air is making the water in the warm air condense.It is probably time for a new gasket if you see cracks.You could use a dollar bill to test the gasket.Put the dollar bill in front of the refrigerator door.Try to pull it out slowly.If you feel the gasket drags, you don't need to replace it.If it slips out quickly, you should get a new gasket.You can either repair the gaps in the gasket or replace it.Replacing a faulty seal will save you money.Buying a new gasket is not very expensive.It costs about $50 to $75 and should take about 30 minutes to replace.It will pay for itself fast if you save energy.
Step 3: If it is possible to fix the gasket, consider it.
Look at the gaps when closing the refrigerator door.Look at them.Where are they located?There are small gaps on the gasket.Pull the gasket away from the channel to expose the door corner.Cut some strips of weather stripping.Place the corner along the channel of the door gasket.The gasket needs to be pushed back in the channel.If you think that is necessary, pack other corners.Look for gaps again when you close the refrigerator door.You will need to replace the seal if this didn't work.
Step 4: The right gasket can be researched.
The type of refrigerator you have will affect this.The owner's manual should be checked.If you can't find your owner's manual, research it online.Tell the manufacturer's service center about the refrigerator.Store personnel can help you find the right gasket.The door seal should be checked.Measure the door.You can research the gasket on the manufacturer's website.You will need a new liner and seal if the door liner is cracked.
Step 5: While you remove the old one, prepare the new one.
It is a good idea to put the new gasket in warm water for a while.Shut off the power to the refrigerator before you remove the old one.It will be easier to install the new gasket after this process.If the refrigerator seems off balance, it might be easier to level it.It's not mandatory for people to remove the refrigerator door to install the gasket.You don't have to have a lot of equipment, but you will need a screwdriver.These can be found at most hardware stores.If you don't know what it is, ask the salesperson the purpose.The screwdriver should be turned clockwise.
Step 6: The fridge door has a gasket.
Pull the gasket back if you want to get the bottom of it.You want to see the retainer.
Step 7: The screws that hold the metal retainer around the door are loosened, but not removed.
You should use a screwdriver for this.To find the screws in the plastic liner and door seal, lift the edges of the seal.The screws hold in a plastic liner, which in turn closes the door.
Step 8: Once you have loosened the retainer screws, you can remove the gasket from the door.
The door seal should slide out from behind the plastic liner once all of the screws are loose.If you are too rough, some plastic liners can be brittle and fall apart.
Step 9: Take the gasket and install it.
On the top of the refrigerator door, position one of its corners.Push the lip of the new gasket over the metal retainer and slide it around the refrigerator door.Start in the top corners and work your way around the door.
Step 10: The metal retainer needs to be screw in.
The retainer screws should not be tightened all the way.You want them to be comfortable.
Step 11: You can apply powder.
To prevent sticking, use a bit of baby powder or talcum powder.
Step 12: There is a powder around the door seal.
As the door meets the metal of the fridge, this will help to prevent it from twisting.
Step 13: If this still doesn't work, wedge a screwdriver under the seal as you close the door, and leave it for an hour.
Step 14: If you want to inspect the gasket, close the door and open it many times.
You are looking for warped areas of the gasket.This process can be repeated several times.
Step 15: If you see gaps, Rub the door with petroleum jelly.
If the gasket looks right, tighten the screws more.You can use a hair dryer to fix the gaps in the door seal.It allows you to stretch the door seal.