How to Choose a Refrigerator
Refrigerators are kitchen appliances that are used to keep food and beverages cold. They are found in offices, homes hotels, and college dorms.
Some refrigerators are equipped with smart features, such as cameras and sensors. Others have touchscreens to allow you to watch videos, browse recipes, browse family calendars and shopping lists or even leave notes for family members.
Temperature Control
The ideal temperature for your refrigerator will keep food safe and avoid loss. This is especially crucial for foods like eggs and milk, which can quickly turn rotten when exposed to temperatures that are not ideal but stay stable in the refrigerator. Refrigerators can also be used to store pharmaceuticals such as vaccines or drugs which lose their effectiveness over time. Refrigerator monitoring systems can ensure that an medical facility, laboratory or other institution maintains an effective cold chain.
The internal thermal insulator of a refrigerator keeps its contents cooler than surrounding air. It utilizes the heat pump to move warm air out of the refrigerator into an insulated compartment, where it gets extremely cold. The refrigerator also has a controlled system that activates the cooling system if its internal temperature rises above a pre-set threshold. This prevents bacteria from forming inside the refrigerator.
Each refrigerator zone is designed to serve a distinct function. The bottom shelves are perfect for perishables like fresh vegetables and meats that require the lowest temperature to keep their texture and flavor. The shelves must be kept clear to allow cool air to circulate through the refrigerator. Store soft cheeses and cured items in a separate drawer for deli for the perfect charcuterie tray.
Some refrigerators have glass or stainless steel door to safeguard the interior. They also make it easy to clean. Certain refrigerators also have doors that are alarms that can be programmed to notify you when the fridge or freezer doors are closed for too long. You can set them up to alert multiple people, and in escalating levels depending on your needs. They can be configured to record and send temperature graphs remotely via email or text.
The majority of refrigerators come with thermometers, but for those that don’t, a freestanding appliance thermometer is an inexpensive method of monitoring the temperature of the freezer and refrigerator. It is crucial to monitor refrigerators the temperature of the freezer and fridge freezer clearance often, particularly if there has been an outage in power or you have manually changed the temperature setting. Ideal temperature for both the refrigerator and freezer is 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
Capacity of Storage
The capacity of your refrigerator is a key factor when choosing the model that will best fridge-freezer suit your requirements. There are a variety of sizes available that range from small models with a capacity less than 15 cubic foot to large models with a capacity over 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 suitable 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 a family of three to four.
In addition to looking at the total interior space consider the depth of your refrigerator. Certain models are larger than others, which allows them to fit into tight spaces and not take up too much space under your counters. Cabinet-depth refrigerators are another option. They have a depth similar to that of a standard kitchen cupboard front, though handles can extend a bit further. They can be a great option for areas where counter space is limited, and they can also look more sleek than traditional refrigerators.
Find out about the refrigerator’s energy usage and noise level when you are shopping. There are many manufacturers that offer quieter models for residential use, while some offer refrigerators that consume less energy than comparable models. Check the yellow Energy Guide label on appliances to find out about the typical energy usage for the specific model. Test the model by opening and closing its doors.
A majority of modern refrigerators; click here to read, come with the pantry drawer. It is a full-width area with separate temperature controls that can be used to store a variety of objects. These drawers can be used to store party trays wine, other food items and more at a particular temperature. Based on the model, these drawers could come with pre-programmed settings for wine, deli meats and soft drinks.
Energy Efficiency
Refrigerators consume a lot energy. Therefore, it is crucial to select a refrigerator that is energy efficient. As time has passed refrigerators have become more energy-efficient. Motors, insulation, and magnetic door seals have all improved over time, which means that the latest refrigerator will consume less power than an older one of the same size. It is possible to reduce the energy consumption of your refrigerator further by buying an energy efficient model. A refrigerator with an Energy Star rating will use much less energy than a model 10 years old or older.
It is crucial to think about 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 large energy consumption also means that they require large amounts of solar home systems that are not affordable for a lot of families earning less than $2 per day. A refrigerator’s annual energy consumption is therefore an important element in determining whether it is cost-effective for consumers to buy and run (PATH and WHO 2013; McCarney et al, 2012).
To understand how fridges function, we start with the fundamental refrigeration cycle. A refrigerator cools by pushing liquid refrigerant through a sealed unit beginning as a liquid, and then passes through a compressor that compresses the liquid into a liquid. This vapor flows into coils that are outside the fridge and draws heat out of it. It then cools before returning to liquid. This process is repeated several times, keeping the food cold while the vapor flows through the coils.
Refrigerators are still one of the most expensive appliances that consumers who are not connected to the grid can purchase, but improving their energy efficiency will make them more affordable. By cutting down on the amount of energy they use the refrigerator can be powered by a smaller SHS and reduce overall system costs for consumers. Based on the size, style, and features of the refrigerator, the savings on energy will differ. Water dispensers and ice makers through the door, for instance are costly but they also increase the energy consumption of the refrigerator, which in turn increases the amount of SHS required to power it.
Maintenance
Regular maintenance and inspection can significantly increase the lifespan of your refrigerator. This can be done by checking the condenser coils, the ice maker, the defrost drain and the gasket seal on the door to ensure it’s in good shape. Cleaning and replacing water filters is also important. Performing these simple maintenance tasks can help prolong the lifespan of your fridge and reduce your energy costs.
The simplest and most efficient refrigerator maintenance task is to wash the inside of your refrigerator regularly. This means throwing away old food and wiping down shelves as well as walls, crispers, and the inside of the doors of your refrigerator and freezer. This can reduce the risk of foodborne illness and unpleasant smells. A refrigerator thermometer is a good option to monitor the temperature of your fridge regularly. A refrigerator that isn’t properly maintained can be subject to temperature fluctuations that could cause food spoilage and a higher electric bill.
The condenser coils inside your refrigerator should be cleaned at least twice a year. This will remove any dirt, grime, hair or other debris that has accumulated. These coils, which are essentially radiators that help to remove heat from your refrigerator, are located at the bottom or back of the appliance. These coils can’t dissipate heat as efficiently when they are dirty. Your refrigerator will use more energy to run.
Examine the seal of your refrigerator that is designed to create an airtight seal between your fridge and the ductwork in your home. It is important to ensure that your fridge’s contents remain cool. However in time, the seal can be damaged by greasy fingerprints and sticky syrups. Clean the seal of your fridge with a an abrasive towel to keep it in good shape.
It is also a good idea, to clean the drip tray, which is typically beneath the compressor unit of the refrigerator. This pan is used for collecting the water from the refrigerator’s defrost process. It is recommended to clean it regularly to prevent the growth of mold and unpleasant odors.