How to Choose a Refrigerator
Refrigerators are kitchen appliances utilized to keep food and beverages cold. They are commonly used in homes, offices, hotels and college dorms.
Some refrigerators are equipped with smart features like sensors and cameras. Some have touchscreens that let you watch videos, browse recipes, look up family calendars and shopping lists, or leave notes for family members.
Control of Temperature
The right temperature for refrigerators ensures food is safe to store which slows down the degradation of many foods due to spoilage. This is especially true for food such as eggs and milk, which can quickly rot at room temperature however, they remain stable at refrigerator levels. Refrigerators can also be used to store pharmaceuticals, such as vaccines or drugs which lose their effectiveness with time. Refrigerator monitoring systems are available to help ensure the medical facility or laboratory maintains the safety of its cold chain.
The internal thermal insulator of a refrigerator keeps its contents cooler than the surrounding air. It makes use of a heat pump to move warm air outside the refrigerator into an insulated compartment, where it becomes very cold. The refrigerator has a control system which turns on the cooling system if its internal temperature exceeds a preset threshold. This stops the growth of bacteria within the refrigerator.
Each of the refrigerator zones is designed to serve a distinct purpose. 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 clean to allow cool air to circulate through the refrigerator. Keep soft cheeses and cured items in a separate deli drawer for the perfect charcuterie tray.
Refrigerators also come with glass or stainless steel doors to protect the interior and allow for easy cleaning. Some refrigerators include a door-alarm that can be programmed. It will notify you when the fridge or freezer is left open for too long. You can set them up to alert multiple people and in escalating levels depending on your needs. You can set them to send temperature graphs by text or email.
Freestanding appliance thermometers can be a cost-effective alternative to the built-in thermometers found in the majority of refrigerators. It is crucial to monitor the temperature of the freezer and fridge often, particularly in the event of an outage in power or you have manually changed the temperature setting. The ideal temperature for both the freezer and refrigerator is 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
Capacity for Storage
The capacity of your refrigerator is an important factor in choosing the right model to meet your needs. There are a variety of sizes to choose from including small models with a capacity less than 15 cubic foot to larger models with a capacity over 26 cubic foot. To determine which size you require, take into consideration the cooking habits of your family and the number of people living in your home. For two people with a family of two, an average of 11-13 cubic feet of refrigerator space is enough, while 18 to 22 cubic feet is recommended.
In addition to looking at the space inside take a look at the depth of your refrigerator. Certain models are deeper than others, which allows them to fit into tight spaces without taking up too much space under the counters. Cabinet-depth refrigerators are a good option. They have a depth similar to that of a standard kitchen cupboard front, though handles may protrude a little further. They can be a great choice for areas where counter space is at a premium and also look sleeker than traditional fridges.
When you are shopping for a new refrigerator, ask about its noise level and energy consumption. There are many manufacturers that offer quieter refrigerators for homes. Others offer refrigerators with lower electricity consumption than similar models. You can find the energy usage of a model by checking the yellow Energy Guide label. Test the model by opening and shutting its doors.
Most modern refrigerators include a pantry drawer, which is a full-width area with separate temperature controls that can be used to store various things. These drawers can be used to store trays for parties as well as wine and other things at a specific temperature. Depending on the model, these drawers may include pre-programmed settings to store wines, deli meats and soft drinks.
Energy Efficiency
Refrigerators use a lot of electricity. Therefore, it is crucial to select a refrigerator that is energy efficient. Over the years refrigerators have become more energy efficient. fridge larder , motors, and magnetic door seals of a newer refrigerator consume less energy than an older fridge similar to its size. You can lower the power consumption of your refrigerator even more by choosing a model that is highly energy efficient. A refrigerator that is Energy Star certified will consume much less energy than an equivalent model that is ten years old or more.
Energy efficiency is particularly important for those who have no access to the electricity grid. Refrigerators are often one of the most expensive appliances for households that are off grid, and their high energy consumption means that they require huge solar home systems (SHS) that are not affordable for families earning less than $2 per day. The annual energy usage of refrigerators is a crucial factor to determine whether it's cost-effective for consumers to purchase and operate. (PATH and WHO 2013, McCarney and. and., 2012).
To understand how fridges work, we start with the basic refrigeration cycle. The refrigerator cools down by pushing a refrigerant fluid through an enclosed system. It starts as a fluid, then goes through the compressor that compresses it to form a vapour. This vapor is then pumped into coils located on the exterior of the refrigerator where it draws heat from the fridge, cooling down before returning to a liquid. This process repeats over and over again to keep food cool as the vapor flows through the coils.
Refrigerators are one of the most expensive appliances that consumers off-grid can purchase but enhancing their energy efficiency will make them more affordable. A refrigerator powered by a smaller SHS will be operated with less energy. This can lower the total cost of the system. Energy savings vary depending on the size, style and other features of a refrigerator. For example, ice-makers and through-the-door water dispensers can add cost but may significantly increase the refrigerator's energy use which, in turn, increases the amount of SHS needed to power it.
Maintenance
Regular maintenance and inspection can greatly increase the life expectancy of your refrigerator. Check the condenser, defrost drain and ice maker. Also, look for seals on the door. Cleaning and replacing water filter is also important. These simple maintenance tasks can help prolong the life of your fridge and reduce your energy costs.
The easiest and most effective refrigerator maintenance task is to wash the inside of your refrigerator frequently. This includes throwing away old food items, wiping down shelves and crispers, walls and the inside of your refrigerator's doors. This can reduce the risk of foodborne illness and unpleasant smells. It is recommended to check regularly the temperature of your refrigerator with an electronic thermometer in your refrigerator. Refrigerators that are not maintained are prone to temperature fluctuations which can result in food waste and more expensive electricity costs.
The condenser coils of your refrigerator should also be cleaned at least twice a year. This will get rid of any dirt, grime, hair or other debris that may have accumulated. The coils are situated on the bottom or rear of your appliance. They are basically radiator-like components that help remove heat from your refrigerator. When these are dirty, they can't dissipate heat as effectively and your fridge will require more energy to run.
Examine the seal of your refrigerator which is designed to provide an airtight seal between the fridge and the ductwork inside your home. It is essential to keep your fridge's contents cold. However with time, the seal could be damaged by greasy fingerprints and sticky syrups. Clean your fridge's seal with a damp towel to keep it in good shape.
It is also a good idea to regularly clean the drip pan, which is usually located beneath the compressor unit. This pan is used to collect the water that comes from the defrost cycle and must be wiped down frequently to avoid the buildup of odors or mold.