Refrigerator Door Gaskets
A refrigerator door gasket lines the door to keep the cool air inside and the warm air out. They are usually made of rubber or vinyl that fits along the door snugly.
Common Types of Refrigerator Door Gaskets
Refrigerator door gaskets come in different types for different makes of refrigerators. The primary differences between them are the shape of the gasket and the kind of material they are made from. Some are solid pieces of foam and some are shaped with a hollow section. Called "hollow D" or "hollow P", these gaskets look like the letter in their name when viewed from the side. There is also a type called molded magnetic gasket which is made of flexible vinyl with an built-in magnetic strip. Some gaskets come in standard sizes, some can be ordered in custom sizes, and some are called bulk gasket, which means you can order the length you need and glue or staple it to the fridge door.
How to Buy Replacement Refrigerator Door Gasket
A refrigerator door gasket needs replacing when it looks brittle and inflexible or when the refrigerator seems to be warmer than usual and/or running more often.
An easy way to test the gasket to find out if it's leaking air is to shut the door with a sheet of paper in between. Then, slide the paper out of the closed door. If you feel resistance against the paper, the gasket is fine. If, on the other hand, the paper slides out easily, consider changing the gasket. When things get really bad, you might notice blackish mold and condensation on the gasket which is a sure sign that it's time to get a replacement. Buying a new gasket is a $30- $50 investment and a simple 30 minute installation.
When purchasing a new refrigerator door gasket, have the unit's brand name, model number, and other specifications regarding size, style etc. handy. This information will usually be available in the owner's manual or on the inside of the refrigerator door.
If attempting to do the replacement yourself, keep in mind that often the gasket, the inside panel, and the insulation are held together by the same set of screws. Never compromise on size and quality; you need to get the exact size you need for the door. The new gasket should be soaked in hot water to make it flexible before installation. Make sure the fridge is on level ground and not tilted before you begin the task of replacing the gasket.
