How to Choose a Refrigerator Refrigerators are kitchen appliances utilized to keep food and drinks cold. They're used at home and in hotels, offices, and college dorm rooms. Some refrigerators are equipped with smart features, like sensors and cameras. Some have touchscreens that let you watch videos, search for 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 will prevent loss. This is especially crucial for foods such as eggs and milk, which could quickly rot when exposed ambient temperatures but remain stable in the refrigerator. Refrigerators are also used to store pharmaceutical products like drugs and vaccines which lose effectiveness over time. Refrigerator monitoring systems can help ensure that an medical facility, laboratory or any other establishment maintains an effective cold chain. A refrigerator is equipped with an internal thermal insulation to keep its contents cooler than the surrounding air. It utilizes a heat pump to move warm air out of the refrigerator into an insulated storage compartment where it becomes very cold. The refrigerator also has a temperature control system that switches on the cooling system if its internal temperature exceeds the threshold set by the manufacturer. This prevents bacteria from growing in the refrigerator. Each refrigerator zone is designed for a different function. The bottom shelves are perfect for perishables such as fresh meats and vegetables that require the most low temperature to keep their texture and taste. The shelves should be kept clear to allow cool air to circulate within the refrigerator. Store soft cheeses and cured foods in a separate drawer for deli for the perfect charcuterie platter. cheap fridges uk have stainless steel or glass doors to protect the interior and facilitate cleaning. Some refrigerators come with a door alarm that can be programmed. It will notify you when the fridge or freezer is not closed for too long. You can set them to alert multiple people, and in increments based on your requirements. They can be configured to record and send temperature graphs remotely via text or email. Freestanding appliance thermometers are a cheap alternative to the built-in thermometers that are found in most refrigerators. It is important to monitor the temperature of the freezer and refrigerator often, especially after a power outage or when temperature settings are manually adjusted. Ideally, both the fridge and freezer should be set at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or lower. Capacity of Storage The capacity of your refrigerator is a key factor when choosing the model that will best suit your requirements. There are many sizes available including small models that have a capacity of less than 15 cubic foot to larger models that have a capacity of more than 26 cubic feet. To determine the size you need, consider your family's eating 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 and 18 to 22 cubic feet is recommended. In addition to looking at the overall space of your kitchen, look at the depth of your fridge. Some 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, having a depth that is roughly the similar to the standard front of a kitchen cabinet (though handles might protrude a bit further). They are a great option for those with limited counter space. They can also appear sleeker. Find out about the refrigerator's energy usage and noise level when you are shopping. Many manufacturers provide quieter refrigerators for homes. Others offer refrigerators with less electricity consumption than similar models. You can determine the energy consumption average of a particular model by examining the yellow Energy Guide label. Test the model by opening and closing its doors. Most modern refrigerators include the pantry drawer. It is a full-width compartment with separate temperature controls that can be used for storing many different items. 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 might have pre-programmed settings for wines as well as deli meats, soft drinks. Energy Efficiency Refrigerators consume a lot energy. It is therefore important to choose a energy-efficient refrigerator. The good news is that refrigerators have improved in energy efficiency over the years. Insulation, motors, as well as magnetic door seals have been improved over time, so the latest refrigerator will consume less power than a previous model of the same size. It is possible to cut down on the power consumption of your refrigerator further by purchasing a highly energy efficient model. A refrigerator that is Energy Star rated will use a lot less energy than a comparable model 10 years old or older. It is essential to consider energy efficiency for consumers with limited access to electricity grids. Refrigerators are usually among the most costly appliances for homes that are not connected to the grid Their high energy consumption means that they require massive solar home systems (SHS) that are not affordable for many families making $2 per day or less. The energy consumption per year of a refrigerator is a key aspect to determine if it's cost-effective for consumers to buy and operate. (PATH and WHO 2013, McCarney et. al., 2012). We will start by explaining the fundamental refrigeration cycle. The refrigerator cools down by pushing a refrigerant liquid through an enclosed system. It starts as a fluid, then goes through the compressor, which compresses it to form an vapor. The vapor is then pumped into coils that are outside the refrigerator and draws heat from it. It then cools before returning to liquid. This process is repeated many times, keeping food cold while the vapor moves 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. A refrigerator that is powered by a smaller SHS could be powered with less energy. This will reduce the total cost of the system. Based on the size, style, and features of the refrigerator, energy savings will vary. For instance, ice makers and through-the-door water dispensers add cost but may significantly increase the energy consumption, which in turn increases the amount of SHS required to power it. Maintenance Regular maintenance and inspections can greatly increase the life expectancy of your refrigerator. This can be accomplished by checking the condenser coils, ice maker, defrost drain and the gasket seal on the door to make sure that it is in good working order. Cleaning and replacing water filters is equally important. Doing these simple tasks can prolong the life of your fridge as well as save money on energy bills. The simplest and most efficient refrigerator maintenance task is to clean the inside of your refrigerator on a regular basis. This means throwing away old food items, cleaning shelves and crispers, walls and inside of your refrigerator's doors. This will lower the risk of foodborne illness and unpleasant smells. A fridge thermometer is recommended to check the temperature of your fridge regularly. Unmaintained fridges are prone to temperature fluctuations which can cause food waste and higher electric costs. The condenser coils in your refrigerator should also be cleaned every two years. This will remove any dirt, grime, hair or other debris that may have accumulated. The coils are located at the bottom or back of your appliance. They're basically radiator-like components that help remove heat from your refrigerator. If they're dirty, they can't dissipate heat as efficiently and your refrigerator will require more energy to run. Check the seal on your refrigerator, which is designed for an airtight seal between your fridge and the ductwork in your home. This is vital to ensure that your fridge's contents remain cool But over time, the seal can become worn down by greasy fingerprints, sticky syrups, and dripping drinks. To keep your fridge's gasket in good working order, frequently clean it with the help of a damp cloth. In the end, it's an ideal idea to regularly clean the drip pan, which is normally located under the refrigerator's compressor unit. The pan is used to collect water that comes from the defrost cycle and should be cleaned regularly to avoid the accumulation of odors and mold.
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