How to Choose a Refrigerator
Refrigerators are kitchen appliances utilized to keep food and beverages cold. They are commonly used in homes and in hotels, offices and dorm rooms at colleges.
Some refrigerators have smart features like cameras and sensors. Certain refrigerators come with touchscreens that let you watch videos and search for recipes, view family calendars, or shopping lists or leave notes.
Temperature Control
The proper temperature in the refrigerator ensures food is safe to store which slows down the degradation of many foods due to spoilage. This is especially important for foods like eggs and milk, which could quickly rot when exposed to temperatures outside but remain stable in the refrigerator. Refrigerators can also be used to store pharmaceuticals, such as medications or vaccines which lose their effectiveness over time. Refrigerator monitoring systems are available to ensure that the medical facility or laboratory maintains the safety of its cold chain.
A refrigerator has an internal thermal insulator that helps keep its contents cooler than the surrounding air. The heat pump is used to move warm air from outside the refrigerator to an insulated compartment where it cools down. The refrigerator also has a temperature control system that turns on the cooling system if its internal temperature exceeds the threshold set by the manufacturer. This prevents the growth of bacteria in the refrigerator.
Each compartment of the fridge is designed to serve a specific function. The bottom shelves are great for perishables such as fresh vegetables and meats that require the minimum temperature to preserve their texture and taste. Keeping the shelves clear allows cool air to circulate throughout the refrigerator. Store soft cheeses and cured foods in a separate drawer for deli to create the perfect charcuterie platter.
Refrigerators also feature stainless steel or glass doors to protect the interior and facilitate cleaning. Certain refrigerators also have door alarms that can be programmed to notify you when the freezer or fridge doors are closed for too long. You can program them to alert multiple people, and in escalating levels depending on your needs. They can also be programmed to record and send temperature graphs remotely via text or email.
Freestanding appliance thermometers can be a cost-effective alternative to the built-in thermometers that are found in the majority of refrigerators. It is crucial to monitor the temperature of the fridge and freezer often, particularly if there has been an electrical failure or you’ve manually changed the temperature setting. Ideal temperature for both the refrigerator and freezer is 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
Capacity for Storage
The capacity of your refrigerator is a crucial factor in deciding on 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 contain more than 26 cubic feet. Take into consideration your family’s cooking preferences and the amount of people living in your house to determine which size is best for you. On average, 11-13 cubic feet of refrigerator space is sufficient for two people, while 18 to 22 cubic feet are recommended for three to four persons.
In addition to looking at the total interior space consider the depth of your fridge. Some models are shallower than others, allowing them to fit into tight spaces without taking up too much space under the counters. Cabinet-depth refrigerators are another alternative. They have a depth similar to that of a standard kitchen cabinet, but the handles may extend a little more. They are a great option for those with limited counter space. They also appear more modern.
When buying a refrigerator, inquire about the level of noise and energy consumption. There are many manufacturers that offer quieter models for residential use, and some offer refrigerators that consume less energy than similar models. You can find out the energy consumption average of a model by checking the yellow Energy Guide label. Also, test a model’s operation by closing and opening the doors.
The pantry drawer is usually an entire width of the refrigerator that has separate temperature controls. It can be used to store a variety items. These drawers are ideal for storing party trays and wine, since they allow you to keep them at a specific temperature. They can be programmed to store wine, deli foods, and soft drinks, depending on the model.
Energy Efficiency
Refrigerators consume a lot of energy. Therefore, it is crucial to select a refrigerator that is energy efficient. Over the years refrigerators have become more energy efficient. Motors, insulation, and magnetic door seals have all improved over time, so a newer fridge will use less energy than a previous model of the same size. You can reduce the electricity consumption of your refrigerator even more by buying one that is energy efficient. A refrigerator that is Energy Star rated will use less energy than a comparable model that is ten years old or more.
It is important to consider energy efficiency for those who have limited access to electricity grids. For homes that are not connected to the grid, refrigerators are often among the most expensive appliances. Their high energy consumption also implies that they require large systems of solar home systems which aren’t affordable for many families who earn less than $2 per day. The annual energy consumption of a refrigerator is therefore a key element in determining whether it is economical for consumers to purchase and maintain (PATH and WHO 2013; McCarney et al, 2012).
To understand how fridges function, we start with the basic refrigeration cycle. A refrigerator cools itself by pushing a refrigerant fluid through a sealed system. It starts as a liquid, and passes through the compressor which makes it compress into an vapor. The vapor is then pumped into coils that are outside the refrigerator and draws heat from it. It then cools down, and turns back to liquid. This process is repeated over and over again, keeping food cold as the vapor flows through the coils.
Refrigerators are among the most expensive appliances that consumers who live off grid can buy however, improving their energy efficiency can make them more affordable. A refrigerator Fridges that is powered by a smaller SHS could be powered with less energy. This will reduce the total system cost. The savings in energy are contingent on the size, design, and features of a refrigerator. For instance, ice makers and through-the-door water dispensers can add cost, but they can also substantially increase the energy use, which in turn increases the amount of SHS needed to power it.
Maintenance
The lifespan of a refrigerator could be greatly improved with regular maintenance and inspection. This can be accomplished by inspecting the condenser coils, ice maker, defrost drain, as well as the gasket seal on the door to ensure that it is in good working order. Additionally, cleaning and replacing water filters is equally important. Performing these simple maintenance tasks can extend the lifespan of your refrigerator and also save you money on energy bills.
The easiest and most effective refrigerator maintenance task is to wash the inside of your refrigerator on a regular basis. This means throwing away old food items and wiping the shelves as well as walls, crispers, and the inside of the doors of your freezer and refrigerator. This will lower the risk of foodborne illness and unpleasant odors. It is also recommended to periodically check the temperature of your refrigerator with the help of a thermometer for your fridge. Unmaintained fridges can experience temperature fluctuations that can result in food waste and higher electric costs.
It is also important to clean the condenser coils on your refrigerator twice a year to get rid of any dirt, hair, dust, and other debris that could have been accumulating. These coils, which are basically radiators that remove heat from the refrigerator are located in the rear or bottom of the appliance. These coils can’t dissipate the heat as effectively when they are dirty. Your refrigerator will consume more energy to run.
Another thing to check often is the gasket in your refrigerator, which is designed to create an air-tight seal between the fridge and your home’s ductwork. This is crucial to ensure your fridge’s contents stay cold But over time, the seal may wear down from greased fingerprints, sticky syrups and dripping drinks. To keep your fridge’s gasket in good shape, you should often clean it with a the help of a damp cloth.
It is also a good idea to clean the drip tray, which is located generally beneath the compressor unit of the refrigerator. This pan is used to collect water from the refrigerator’s defrost cycle. It should be cleaned regularly to prevent the growth of mold and unpleasant odors.