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 are equipped with smart features, such as sensors and cameras. Others have touchscreens to allow you to watch videos, search for recipes, look up family calendars and shopping lists, or leave notes for family members.
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 food items like eggs and milk that quickly turn rotten at room temperature but remain stable in refrigerator temperatures. Refrigerators can be used to store pharmaceuticals such as vaccines or drugs which lose their effectiveness as time passes. Refrigerator monitoring systems can help ensure that the medical facility, laboratory or any other institution maintains an effective cold chain.
A refrigerator's internal thermal insulator keeps its contents cooler than the surrounding air. The heat pump moves warm air from outside the refrigerator to an insulated compartment, where it cools to a very low temperature. The refrigerator is equipped with a control system that turns on the cooling system when its internal temperature is higher than the threshold set by the manufacturer. This prevents bacteria from forming in the refrigerator.
Each zone of the fridge is specifically designed to serve a certain purpose. The lower shelves are ideal for perishables such as fresh meats and vegetables that require the most low temperature to keep their texture and flavor. The shelves should be kept clean to allow cool air to circulate in the refrigerator. A separate drawer for deli can be used to store soft cheeses and cured meats to create the perfect charcuterie board.
Refrigerators also come with stainless steel or glass doors 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 set them up to alert multiple people, and in increments based on your requirements. They can be configured to record temperature and send graphs remotely via text message or email.
Freestanding appliance thermometers are a cheap alternative to the built-in thermometers found in the majority of refrigerators. It is crucial to monitor the temperature of the fridge and freezer often, particularly in the event of an outage in power or you've 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 a key aspect to consider when selecting the model that will best suit your needs. There are a variety of sizes available, from small models that have a capacity of less than 15 cubic feet to larger models with a capacity over 26 cubic feet. To figure out the size you require, take into consideration your family's cooking habits and the number of people who live in your home. For two people, an average of 11-13 cubic foot of refrigerator space is enough, while 18 to 22, cubic feet is recommended.
In addition to looking at the total interior space, look at the depth of your fridge. Certain models are deeper than others, allowing them to fit in tight spaces without taking up too much room under the counters. Cabinet-depth refrigerators are another option, with a depth that is roughly the same as the typical kitchen cabinet's front (though handles can protrude a little further). These are a good option for those with limited counter space. They also appear more modern.
When you are shopping for a new refrigerator, inquire about its noise level and energy consumption. Many manufacturers offer quieter options for residential use, while certain models consume less energy than comparable models. Check fridges uk on appliances to find out the typical energy consumption of the particular model. Also, test the model's operation by opening and closing the doors.
A majority of modern refrigerators come with a pantry drawer, which is a full-width section with separate temperature controls that can be used for storing a variety of things. These drawers are particularly useful for storing party trays and wine, as they allow you to store them at a specific temperature. These drawers can be programmed to store wine or deli food items as well as soft drinks, depending on the model.
Energy Efficiency
Refrigerators consume a lot electricity. This is why it's important to have one that is energy efficient. Over time, refrigerators have become increasingly energy-efficient. The insulation, motors and magnetic door seals on a modern refrigerator consume less energy than a previous model similar to its size. It is possible to cut down on the energy consumption of your refrigerator further by purchasing a highly energy efficient model. A refrigerator that is Energy Star rated will use less energy than an equivalent model 10 years old or older.
Energy efficiency is particularly important for those who have no access to the electricity grid. For homes that are not connected to the grid, refrigerators are typically among the most expensive appliances. Their high energy consumption also implies that they require large amounts of solar home systems that are not affordable for many families who earn less than $2 per day. The annual energy consumption of a refrigerator is therefore a key factor in determining whether it is affordable for consumers to purchase and maintain (PATH and WHO 2013; McCarney et al, 2012).
To understand how refrigerators function it is important to understand the basic refrigeration cycle. A refrigerator cools itself by pushing a refrigerant fluid through an enclosed system. It starts as a liquid, and then goes through the compressor, which reduces it to a vapour. This vapor flows into coils outside of the refrigerator, and draws heat out of it. It then cools down, and turns back to liquid. This process repeats repeatedly and keeps food cold as the vapor moves through the coils.
While refrigerators remain among the most expensive appliances for off-grid consumers, enhancing their energy efficiency makes them more affordable. By cutting down on the amount of energy they use, a refrigerator can 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 vary. For instance, ice-makers and through-the-door water dispensers add cost, but can significantly increase the energy use and, in turn, increase the amount of SHS required to power it.
Maintenance
The lifespan of a refrigerator could be greatly improved with regular maintenance and inspection. Examine the condenser, ice maker and defrost drain. Also, make sure you check the seals on the door. Cleaning and replacing water filter is also important. These simple maintenance tasks can prolong the lifespan of your fridge as well as save money on energy bills.
Cleaning the interior of your fridge regularly is the easiest and most efficient way to keep it in good condition. This means throwing away old food items and wiping the shelves, crispers, walls, and even inside the doors of your freezer and refrigerator. This will prevent unpleasant odors as well as reduce the chance of contracting food-borne illnesses. It is also recommended to regularly check the temperature of your refrigerator using a fridge thermometer. Unmaintained fridges can experience temperature fluctuations that can cause food waste and higher electricity bills.
It is also essential to clean the condenser coils on your refrigerator every two years to get rid of any dirt hair, dust, and other particles that might have built up. These coils, which are basically radiators that remove heat from your refrigerator, are located at the bottom or back of the appliance. When these are dirty, they can't dissipate heat as effectively and your refrigerator will require more power to run.
Examine the seal of your refrigerator, which is designed for an airtight seal between your fridge and the ductwork that runs through your home. This is essential to ensure that your fridge's contents remain cold, but over time the seal may wear down by greasy fingerprints, sticky syrups, and dripping beverages. Clean your fridge's seal with a damp towel to keep it in good condition.
In the end, it's an ideal idea to regularly clean the drip pan, which is usually located under the refrigerator's compressor unit. The pan is used to collect water from the defrost cycle of the refrigerator. It should be cleaned regularly to avoid the growth of mold and unpleasant odors.
