How to Choose a Refrigerator
Refrigerators (sometimes called a fridge) are kitchen appliances that keep food and drinks cold. They are used at home as well as in hotels, offices, and college dorm rooms.
Some refrigerators have smart features, including cameras and sensors. Some refrigerators have touchscreens that let you view videos, search for recipes, browse family calendars, and shopping lists or leave notes.
Temperature Control
The ideal temperature for your refrigerator ensures food safety and prevent loss. This is especially true for foods like eggs and milk, which quickly turn rotten at ambient temperatures, but remain stable at refrigerator levels. Refrigerators are also extensively used to store pharmaceuticals like vaccines and medicines that become less effective with time. Refrigerator monitoring systems can ensure that an medical lab, laboratory or another institution maintains the cold chain.
The thermal insulator inside a refrigerator keeps its contents cooler than surrounding air. The heat pump transports warm air from outside the refrigerator to an insulated compartment, from which it cools to a very low temperature. The refrigerator is equipped with a control system that turns on the cooling system if its internal temperature exceeds a predetermined threshold. This prevents bacteria from growing within the refrigerator.
Each section of the refrigerator is specifically designed to serve a certain function. The bottom shelves are great for perishables like fresh vegetables and meats that require the minimum temperature to keep their texture and taste. Clear shelves allow cool air to circulate around the refrigerator. A separate drawer for deli can be used to store soft cheeses and cured foods for the perfect charcuterie platter.
Certain refrigerators have doors made of stainless steel or glass to safeguard the interior. They also make it easier to clean. Some refrigerators come with a door alarm that can be programmed. It will alert you if the fridge or freezer is left open too long. They can be set to alert multiple individuals and in escalating tiers based on your needs. They can even be set to record and send temperature graphs remotely via email or text.
Freestanding appliance thermometers are a cheap alternative to the built-in thermometers found in most refrigerators. It is important to monitor the temperature of your freezer and refrigerator often, especially in the event of a power failure or when temperature settings are altered manually. Ideally, both the fridge and freezer should be set to 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below.
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The capacity of your refrigerator is an important factor in deciding on the model that will best suit your needs. There are many sizes to pick from, from small refrigerators that can hold a volume of less than 15 cubic feet, to larger models that hold over 26 cubic feet. To determine which size you need, consider your family's eating habits and the number of people who live in your home. For two people the average of between 11 and 13 cubic foot of refrigerator space is enough, while 18 to 22, cubic feet is recommended.
Look at the depth of the fridge, as well as the space. Some models are more shallow than others, which allows them to fit in tight spaces without taking up too much space under your counters. Cabinet-depth refrigerators are another option, having an overall depth that is the similar to a standard front of a kitchen cabinet (though handles may protrude slightly farther). They are a great option for homes where counter space is at a premium, and they can also appear more stylish than traditional fridges.
When you are shopping for a new refrigerator, inquire about its noise level and energy consumption. Many manufacturers offer quieter models for residential use, and certain models consume less energy than comparable models. Look for the yellow Energy Guide label on appliances to find out the typical energy consumption of a specific model. Also, test a model's operation by opening and closing the doors.
A majority of modern refrigerators come with the pantry drawer. It is a full-width area with separate temperature controls that can be used for storing many different items. These drawers can be used to store trays for parties, wine and other items at a particular temperature. They can be programmed to store wines, deli foods, and soft drinks, based on the model.
Energy Efficiency
Refrigerators use a lot of energy. That's why it's crucial to select one that is energy efficient. The good news is that refrigerators have improved in energy efficiency over time. The insulation, motors and magnetic door seals of a newer refrigerator will use less energy than an older fridge similar in size. You can lower the power consumption of your refrigerator more by purchasing one that is energy efficient. A refrigerator with an Energy Star rating will use much less energy than a model that is at least ten years old.
It is important to consider the energy efficiency of consumers 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 amounts of solar home systems which aren't affordable for many families who earn less than $2 per day. The annual energy consumption of refrigerators is an important factor to determine whether it's economically feasible for consumers to buy and operate. (PATH and WHO 2013 ). McCarney et. al. 2012).
To understand how refrigerators function, we start with the basic refrigeration cycle. A refrigerator cools by pushing a liquid refrigerant through a sealed device beginning as a liquid, then is pushed through a compressor that reduces the liquid to create a liquid. This vapor then flows into coils located on the exterior of the fridge where it draws the heat from the fridge, then cooling down and turning back to a liquid. This process repeats repeatedly to keep food cool as the vapor moves through the coils.
Refrigerators remain among the most expensive appliances that consumers who live off grid can buy but enhancing their energy efficiency will make them more affordable. A refrigerator powered by a smaller SHS can be powered by less energy. This can lower the total system cost. Depending on the size, style, and features of the refrigerator, energy savings will vary. For example, ice-makers and through-the-door water dispensers add cost but may significantly increase the refrigerator's energy consumption which, in turn, increases the amount of SHS required to power it.
Maintenance
The life expectancy of a refrigerator could be greatly improved with regular maintenance and inspection. This can be accomplished by checking the condenser coils the ice maker, defrost drain, as well as the gasket seal on the door to make sure it's in good shape. Cleaning and replacing water filter is also essential. These easy maintenance tasks will help you prolong the life of your refrigerator as well as save money on your energy costs.
The simplest and most efficient refrigerator maintenance task is to wash the inside of your refrigerator on a regular basis. This includes throwing out old food, wiping down shelves and crispers, walls and the interior of your refrigerator's doors. This will reduce the chance of contracting foodborne illness and unpleasant odors. A refrigerator thermometer is recommended to check the temperature of your refrigerator regularly. Refrigerators that aren't maintained may experience temperature fluctuations that can cause food waste and more expensive electricity bills.
It is also important to clean the condenser coils of your refrigerator at least twice per year to get rid of any dirt hair, dust, and other debris that could have built up. These coils are located on the rear or bottom of your appliance. They are essentially radiator-like parts that help remove heat from your refrigerator. If they're dirty, they won't be able to disperse heat as efficiently and your refrigerator will use more power to run.
Check your refrigerator's seal, which is designed for an airtight seal between your refrigerator and the ductwork in your home. It is essential to keep your fridge's contents cool. However in time, the seal may be damaged by sticky and greasy fingerprints. syrups. To keep the gasket of your refrigerator 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 usually under the compressor unit of the refrigerator. This pan is used to collect the water that is drained from the defrost cycle of the refrigerator. It is recommended to clean it frequently to prevent the growth of mold and unpleasant odors.