Refrigerator maintenance wheels, also known as appliance casters, are meant to make easier the work of moving the appliance so you can clean underneath it. Depending on your refrigerator model, you may find some adjustable refrigerator rollers, nonadjustable rollers, or leveling legs.
Fortunately, some appliance-moving wheels are adjustable and you can use them to level your fridge. The drawback to these appliance casters is that sometimes they tend to seize functioning, making it rather hard to move the refrigerator around.
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How to Unlock Refrigerator Wheels
Before removing the grille, turn off the refrigerator’s power for safety. Disconnect the appliance or turn off the circuit breaker. Remove the bottom kickplate or grille to access the wheels. The grille can be secured with fast-release screws or pulled off by the user, depending on the model.
To modify your refrigerator’s wheels, find the adjustment wheels at the top of the height-adjustable wheels. Most wheels can be changed by moving the screw clockwise or counterclockwise to lower the refrigerator’s front. To elevate your refrigerator’s front, turn the screw clockwise. However, if you want to lower the refrigerator’s front door, simply turn the screw counterclockwise to reverse the action. You may want to consult the user manual for the best adjustment method for your specific model.
You may also find it easier to alter the adjustment screws if someone else assists you by gently pushing back on the top of the unit. This will help to take the weight off the legs and save you from standing up and crouching back down again to make sure the fridge is still.
How Do You Move a Refrigerator with Wheels?
The wheels on most refrigerators make them portable. Move the unit a few inches forward and secure it with furniture sliders for safety. From the front, push both sides while moving forward.
Remove the bottom faceplate if your fridge is stuck. Sitting in front of the appliance, push it forward with a heavy object. This should relocate it. Even when not exposed, your fridge’s weight can damage its components if you put it on its back. Wait 30 minutes after using it upright and don’t move it until it’s rested on its side for a day.
How To Prevent Refrigerator from Rolling/Sliding Forward
As said, most freezers have wheels for easy placement. Not all models feature adjustable fronts to stop the device from pushing forward. Use a wheeled refrigerator with caution, especially on a hard floor.
The refrigerator may slide or move when one door is opened due to the doors’ size and door gasket strength. Additionally, rollers and wheels do not lock. You can place a small wood wedge or plastic furniture coaster under the wheels to prevent the rolling and consider re-leveling the refrigerator afterward.
Can You Clean a Fridge without Moving It?
To clean behind or underneath the appliance without necessarily having to relocate it, you may use a pantyhose, yardstick, or microfiber cloth attached to a rubber band or an old tube sock.
Maintaining your refrigerator, one of your most important appliances, is important. It should be thoroughly cleaned every 3-4 months to maintain its performance. Heat dissipation is inefficient when dirt and debris clog refrigerator coils. Thus, energy consumption and refrigerator lifespan will decrease.
How to Level a Refrigerator on Uneven Floor
An uneven floor can make your refrigerator look a little slanted or sit at an angle that can affect how it operates. The good news is that you can get everything back in line and have your appliance running smoothly as per normal using the built-in adjusting mechanism.
Whether your specific model leans back, the wheels are uneven or the appliance itself is lopsided, a simple adjustment can take off the problem.
You may be wondering whether it really matters if your appliance isn’t level, of course, apart from looking a little crooked.
Well, it might not seem like a big deal, but keeping your refrigerator level generally enhances its performance. This can make it last longer by putting less stress/weight on the mechanical parts.
Perhaps the most common issue with uneven refrigerators is a problem with the doors. If you want the doors to be properly aligned, then you should keep the refrigerator level.
Refrigerator maintenance helps the doors to stay closed and sealed properly and to keep the refrigerator temperature consistent by preventing cold air leakage. Uneven placement might cause frost or moisture issues and vibrations in the appliance.
Importance of Adjustable Refrigerator Wheels
Proper leveling of the refrigerator wheels allows the doors to close automatically without slamming shut.
When a fridge leans to one side or the front, Refrigerator maintenance can make the coolant move in the pipes, thereby making the pump work harder, which decreases the efficiency of the refrigerator.
A poorly tilted refrigerator can also cause the ice maker to malfunction and the defrost cycle of the freezer not to drain as it should.
