Refridgerator Tips That Can Change Your Life
How to Choose a Refrigerator
Refrigerators (sometimes called fridges) are kitchen appliances that keep food and drinks cold. They are used at home as well as in hotels, offices and dorm rooms at colleges.
Some refrigerators have smart features, like sensors and cameras. Some refrigerators have touchscreens that allow you to watch videos, look up recipes, view family calendars and shopping lists or even leave notes for family members.
Temperature Control
A proper temperature in the refrigerator will ensure food safety and prevent loss. This is especially important for foods like eggs and milk, which could quickly turn rotten when exposed to temperatures outside but remain stable in the refrigerator. Refrigerators can be used to store pharmaceuticals like medications or vaccines that become less effective with time. Refrigerator monitoring systems can help ensure that a medical lab, laboratory or another institution has the cold chain.
The internal thermal insulator of a refrigerator keeps its contents cooler than the surrounding air. It makes use of the heat pump to move warm air outside the refrigerator into an insulated storage compartment where it is extremely cold. The refrigerator also has a temperature control system that turns on the cooling system when the internal temperature exceeds the threshold set by the manufacturer. This prevents bacteria from growing inside the refrigerator.
Each zone of the fridge is specifically designed to serve a certain purpose. The bottom shelves are great for perishables like fresh vegetables and meats that require the most low temperature to keep their texture and taste. Clear shelves allow cool air to circulate around the refrigerator. Keep soft cheeses and cured food items in a separate drawer for deli to create the perfect charcuterie platter.
Refrigerators also feature doors made of stainless steel or glass to protect the interior and allow for easy cleaning. Certain refrigerators have a door alarm that can be programmed. It will notify you if the fridge or freezer is left open too long. You can program them to alert multiple people, and in escalating levels based on your needs. You can set them up to send temperature graphs via text or email.
The majority of refrigerators come with thermometers however for those who don't, a stand-alone appliance thermometer is an inexpensive way to monitor the fridge and freezer temperature. It is essential to check the temperature of your freezer and refrigerator often, especially in the event of a power failure or if temperature settings are manually adjusted. The ideal is that both the fridge and freezer should be set at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or lower.
Capacity for Storage
The capacity of your refrigerator is an important aspect to consider when selecting the model that will best suit your needs. There are many sizes to pick from, ranging from tiny refrigerators that have a capacity of less than 15 cubic feet to larger models that accommodate more than 26 cubic feet. Take into consideration your family's cooking preferences and the number of people living in your house to determine the best size for you. On average, 11 to 13 cubic feet of refrigerator space is sufficient for two people. 18 to 22 cubic feet are recommended for three to four people.
Take a look at the depth of the fridge in addition to the space. Some models are more shallow than others, allowing them to fit into small spaces without taking up too much room under your counters. Cabinet-depth refrigerators are another option, with the depth being roughly the similar to a standard kitchen cabinet's front (though handles may protrude slightly more). These are a great choice for homes with limited counter space. They also appear more modern.
When shopping for a refrigerator, inquire about its noise level and energy consumption. Many manufacturers offer quieter models for residential use, and certain models consume less energy than comparable models. Check the yellow Energy Guide label on appliances to find out about the typical energy consumption for the specific model. Test the model by opening and shutting its doors.
The pantry drawer is typically an entire width of the refrigerator, with separate temperature controls. It can be used to store a variety of items. These drawers are particularly useful for storing party trays and wine, as they allow you to store them at certain temperatures. These drawers can be programmed to hold wine, deli foods, and soft drinks, based on the model.
Energy Efficiency
Refrigerators use a lot of electricity. Therefore, it is important to choose an energy-efficient refrigerator. The good news is that refrigerators have improved in energy efficiency over the years. The insulation, motors and magnetic door seals on a modern refrigerator will use less energy than an older fridge of the same size. You can lower the power consumption of your refrigerator more by purchasing a model that is highly energy efficient. A refrigerator that is Energy Star rated will use less energy than a comparable model 10 years old or more.
It is important to consider the energy efficiency of consumers who have limited access to electricity grids. Refrigerators are typically one of the most expensive appliances for homes that are not connected to the grid and their large energy consumption means they require massive solar home systems (SHS) which aren't affordable for families earning $2 per day or less. A refrigerator's annual energy consumption is therefore an important element in determining whether it is cost-effective for consumers to purchase and operate (PATH and WHO 2013; McCarney et al, 2012).
We'll begin by explaining the fundamental refrigeration cycle. A refrigerator cools by pushing a liquid refrigerant through a sealed system beginning as a liquid, then goes through a compressor which reduces the liquid to create an vapour. The vapor is then pumped into coils outside of the fridge and draws heat out of it. It then cools, and turns back to liquid. This process is repeated many times, keeping the food cool while the vapor flows through the coils.
While refrigerators remain among the most expensive appliances for off grid consumers, improving their energy efficiency makes them more affordable. By reducing the amount of energy they consume it is possible for a refrigerator to be powered by a smaller SHS and reduce the overall cost of the system for consumers. Based on the size, style, and features of the refrigerator, the savings on energy will differ. For instance, ice makers and through-the-door water dispensers increase cost, but can substantially increase the energy use, which in turn increases the amount of SHS required to power it.
Maintenance
Regular maintenance and inspection can greatly improve the lifespan of your refrigerator. Examine the condenser, ice maker and defrost drain. Also, check the seals on the door. Cleaning and replacing water filters are essential. These simple maintenance tasks will aid in prolonging the life of your refrigerator and save money on your energy costs.
The most simple and efficient refrigerator maintenance task is to clean the interior of your refrigerator regularly. This includes throwing away old food and wiping down shelves, crispers, walls, and inside the doors of your freezer and Fridge Freezer collection refrigerator. This will eliminate unpleasant odors and lower the chance of contracting food-borne illnesses. It is recommended to check regularly the temperature of your refrigerator by using the help of a thermometer for your fridge. Refrigerators that are not maintained may experience temperature fluctuations which can cause food waste and Fridge Freezer deals higher electric costs.
It is also important to clean the condenser coils in your refrigerator every two years to get rid of any dirt dust, hair, grime and other debris that may have been accumulating. The coils are located at the rear or refridgerator bottom of your appliance. They're essentially radiator-like parts that help remove heat from your refrigerator. These coils can't dissipate the heat as efficiently if they are dirty. Your refrigerator will use more energy to run.
Another thing to check often is the gasket in your refrigerator that is designed to create an air-tight seal between the refrigerator and the ductwork in your home. This is essential to ensure that the contents of your fridge remain cool, but over time the seal could wear down by greasy fingerprints, sticky syrups and dripping beverages. Clean the seal of your fridge with a an abrasive towel to keep it in good shape.
In the end, it's a good idea to clean the drip pan, which is typically located beneath the compressor unit. The drip pan is responsible for collecting the water from the refrigerator's defrost process. It is recommended to clean it regularly to prevent the development of mold and unpleasant odors.
