How to Choose a Refrigerator
Refrigerators are kitchen appliances that are used to keep food and beverages cold. They are used in offices, homes in hotels, restaurants and college dorms.
Some refrigerators are equipped with sophisticated features such as cameras and sensors. Some refrigerators have touchscreens that let you watch videos, search for recipes, view family calendars, or shopping lists, or even write notes.
Temperature Control
The ideal temperature for your refrigerator ensures food safety and avoid loss. This is especially crucial for foods like eggs and milk, which can quickly rot when exposed to temperatures that are not ideal but stay stable in the refrigerator. Refrigerators are also widely used to store pharmaceutical products like vaccines and medicines which lose effectiveness over time. Refrigerator monitoring systems are readily available to ensure that the medical facility or laboratory has a safe cold chain.
A refrigerator has an internal thermal insulation to keep its contents colder than the surrounding environment. The heat pump is used to move warm air from the outside of the refrigerator into an insulated compartment where it cools to a very low temperature. The refrigerator is equipped with a control system which turns on the cooling system if its internal temperature is higher than a predetermined threshold. This prevents the formation of bacteria in the refrigerator.
Each section of the refrigerator is specifically designed to serve a certain purpose. The bottom shelves are perfect for perishables such as 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 in the refrigerator. A separate drawer for deli can be used to store soft cheeses and cured foods for the perfect charcuterie platter.
Refrigerators also come with stainless steel or glass doors to protect the interior and allow for easy cleaning. Some refrigerators include a door-alarm that can be programmed. It will alert you when the fridge or freezer is left open for too long. You can program them to alert multiple people, and in escalating levels based on your needs. 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 most refrigerators. It's important to check the refrigerator and freezer temperature often, especially after a power outage or if temperature settings are manually adjusted. 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 when it comes to choosing the right model to meet your requirements. There are many sizes to choose from, from small refrigerators that can hold a volume of less than 15 cubic feet, to large models that can accommodate more than 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 fridges for sale , an average of 11 to 13 cubic feet of refrigerator space is adequate and 18 to 22, cubic feet is recommended.
Look at the depth of the fridge, as well as the overall space. Some models are shallower than others, allowing them to fit into small spaces without taking up too much room under the counters. Cabinet-depth refrigerators are another alternative. Their depth is similar to that of a standard kitchen cabinet front, however the handles may protrude a little more. They can be a great choice for areas where counter space is at a premium, and they can also look more sleek than traditional refrigerators.
When you are shopping for a new refrigerator, inquire about its noise level and energy consumption. There are many manufacturers that provide quieter refrigerators for residential use. Others offer refrigerators with less energy consumption than comparable models. Take a look at the yellow Energy Guide label on appliances to find out about the typical energy consumption for the specific model. Also, test a model's operation by closing and opening the doors.
The pantry drawer is typically an entire width of the refrigerator, with separate temperature controls. It can be used to store a variety of things. These drawers are ideal to store party trays and wine, as they allow you to keep them at specific temperatures. Based on the model, these drawers could include pre-programmed settings to store wines and deli meats as well as soft drinks.
Energy Efficiency
Refrigerators consume a lot of electricity. 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, and magnetic door seals have been improved over time, which means that a modern refrigerator consumes less power than a previous model of the same size. You can reduce the electricity consumption of your refrigerator more by buying one that is energy efficient. A refrigerator with an Energy Star rating will use less energy than a model ten years or older.
It is essential to consider the energy efficiency of consumers who have limited access to electricity grids. For off-grid homes, refrigerators are often 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 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 fridges function first, we must understand the fundamental refrigeration cycle. A refrigerator cools by pushing a liquid refrigerant through a sealed unit that begins as a liquid and passes through a compressor that reduces the liquid to create the form of a liquid. The vapor then flows through coils on the outside of the fridge, where it draws the heat from the fridge, then cooling down and turning back to a liquid. This process is repeated several times, ensuring that the food remains cold while the vapor moves through the coils.
Although refrigerators are among the most expensive appliances available to off-grid consumers, improving their energy efficiency makes them more affordable. A refrigerator powered by a smaller SHS could be powered by less energy. This will lower total system cost. Based on the dimensions, style, and features of the refrigerator, energy savings will differ. For instance, ice makers and through-the-door water dispensers add cost but may significantly increase the energy use and, in turn, increase the amount of SHS needed to power it.
Maintenance
The life expectancy of a refrigerator could be greatly increased by regular maintenance and inspection. This can be done by checking the condenser coils, ice maker, defrost drain, and the gasket seal on the door to ensure it is in good condition. Cleaning and changing water filters is equally important. These simple maintenance tasks will ensure the longevity of your refrigerator and also save money on your energy bills.
Cleaning the interior of your fridge regularly is the easiest and most efficient way to keep it in good condition. This includes throwing away old food items, wiping down shelves and crispers, walls and interior of your refrigerator's doors. This will prevent unpleasant odors and reduce the chance of contracting food-borne illnesses. It is also recommended to periodically check the temperature of your refrigerator by using an electronic thermometer in your refrigerator. A refrigerator that isn't properly maintained could be subject to temperature fluctuations that can lead to food spoilage as well as a higher electricity bill.
The condenser coils of your refrigerator are also required to be cleaned twice a year. This will remove any dirt, grime, hair or other debris that may have accumulated. The coils are located at the bottom or rear of your appliance and are basically radiator-like components that help remove heat from your refrigerator. These coils aren't able to release heat as efficiently when they are dirty. Your refrigerator will consume more energy to run.
Another thing to check frequently is the gasket on your refrigerator, which is designed to create an airtight seal between the fridge and your home's ductwork. It is essential to keep your fridge's contents cold. However in time, the seal can be worn down by greasy fingerprints and sticky syrups. Clean your fridge's seal with the help of a damp towel to keep it in good shape.
It is also a good idea to clean the drip tray, which is typically under the compressor unit of the refrigerator. The drip pan is responsible for collecting the water from the refrigerator's defrost cycle. It is recommended to clean it regularly to avoid the development of mold and unpleasant smells.