How to Choose the Right Refrigerator Gasket
Picking the right refrigeration door gasket can seem daunting. A refrigerator gasket is a flexible elastic strip attached to the outer edge of a refrigerator or freezer compartment. This gasket is designed to form an airtight seal that serves as a barrier between the cool air inside the appliance and the warmer external environment. The refrigerator gasket functions as a temperature control, regulating the refrigerator’s internal conditions. This is what helps keep fresh or frozen foods preserved and safe to eat, so maintaining your door gaskets is important. Gaskets are a vital component of any refrigeration unit. Damaged, malfunctioning or broken refrigerator gaskets can be detrimental to the quality of the appliance. When the sealing material becomes worn out or cracked, there is a greater potential for air leakage. Without a properly functioning gasket, circulated air can escape past the insulated refrigerator, compromising the quality of food preservation and driving up electrical costs. For these reasons, refrigerator gasket replacement is an important part of appliance upkeep. Knowing the signs of when it’s time to replace your refrigeration unit’s door gasket will help keep your equipment running efficiently and with minimal downtime. Picking the right refrigeration door gasket can seem daunting, but there are a few key tips for figuring it out. Below are some tips for choosing the right refrigerator gasket.
First, it is important to find the model number. It is important to identify your refrigerator’s model number. This is usually displayed on a sticker located somewhere on the unit itself. Not all refrigerators and freezers are the same. They all have different models. Every manufacturer places this sticker in different spots, so learn about its location, so you can easily find it and have the info on hand. You will use the model number to help you find the gasket you need. If you can’t find the model number, you can figure out what gasket you need by identifying the type of gasket your unit uses. It is important to purchase a gasket that complements the refrigerator’s specifications. The appliance manufacturers can often assist with finding a matching unit.
Secondly, find the part number. Locate the part number for your particular refrigerator unit. You can then use this part number to search for the exact gasket for your refrigerator or freezer. You can also look up the gasket’s part number in your user’s manual or part manual if the part number cannot be located on the gasket itself. This will ensure that you purchase a gasket that will fit your refrigerator.
Thirdly, measure your gasket. Measuring your gasket not only informs you of the dimensions of the replacement needed but can also help you cross-reference as you are shopping for the recommended parts of your unit. Be sure when you are measuring your gasket to measure from outside edge to outside edge at the corners, both width and length.
To sum up, identifying the style of your gasket is important. Each unit uses different gasket styles for each refrigeration model and line, so knowing which gasket type is needed can help you further determine the right gasket for your unit.