How to Choose a Refrigerator Refrigerators are kitchen appliances utilized to keep food and beverages cold. They are commonly used in homes and in offices, hotels, and dorm rooms at colleges. Certain refrigerators come with sophisticated features such as cameras and sensors. Some refrigerators have touchscreens that let you view videos or search for recipes, view family calendars, or shopping lists. cheap fridge for sale can also leave notes. Temperature Control A proper temperature in the refrigerator will keep food safe and prevent the food from spoiling. This is particularly important with food such as eggs and milk, which are susceptible to rotting at ambient temperatures however, they remain stable at refrigerator levels. Refrigerators can be used to store pharmaceuticals such as drugs or vaccines that lose their efficacy as time passes. Refrigerator monitoring systems can help ensure that the medical lab, laboratory or another institution has an effective cold chain. A refrigerator has an internal thermal insulator that helps keep its contents cooler than the surrounding air. The heat pump moves warm air from the outside of the refrigerator into an insulated compartment, from which it cools to a very low temperature. The refrigerator also has a control system that switches on the cooling system if its internal temperature rises above a pre-set threshold. This prevents the growth of bacteria in the refrigerator. Each section of the refrigerator is designed to serve a particular function. The bottom shelves are perfect for perishables such as fresh vegetables and meats that require the lowest temperature to preserve their texture and taste. Clear shelves allow cool air to circulate through the refrigerator. Keep soft cheeses and cured items in a separate drawer for deli for the perfect charcuterie tray. Refrigerators also feature glass or stainless steel doors to protect the interior and allow for easy cleaning. Some refrigerators come with a door alarm that can be programmed. It will alert you when the fridge or freezer is left open too long. You can program them to notify multiple people and in escalating levels 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 that are found in most refrigerators. It is important to check the temperature of the freezer and fridge often, especially when there is a power failure or if you manually altered the temperature setting. Ideally, both the refrigerator and freezer should be set to 40 degrees Fahrenheit or less. Capacity for Storage The capacity of your refrigerator is an important aspect to consider when selecting the model that is most suitable for your needs. There are a variety of sizes available, from small models with a capacity less than 15 cubic feet to larger models that have a capacity of more than 26 cubic foot. Think about your family's cooking style and the amount of people who live in your home to determine the best size for you. For two people, an average of 11-13 cubic feet of refrigerator space is adequate and 18 to 22 cubic feet is recommended. In addition to considering the total interior space consider the depth of your refrigerator. Certain models are deeper than others, allowing them to fit in tight spaces without taking up too much space under the counters. Cabinet-depth refrigerators are another alternative. Their depth is comparable to that of a standard kitchen cupboard front, though handles can extend a bit more. They are a great option for homes where counter space is a problem, and they can also appear more stylish than traditional fridges. Find out about the refrigerator's energy usage and the level of noise when you are shopping. There are many manufacturers that offer quieter options for residential use, and others offer refrigerators that use less electricity than similar models. Look for the yellow Energy Guide label on appliances to learn about the typical energy consumption of the specific model. Test the appliance by opening and closing its doors. The pantry drawer is typically the largest section of the refrigerator, with separate temperature controls. It can be used to store a variety of things. These drawers can be used to store party trays as well as wine and other things at a particular temperature. Based on the model, these drawers could have pre-programmed settings for wines as well as deli meats, soft drinks. Energy Efficiency Refrigerators consume a lot energy. Therefore, it is crucial to choose a energy-efficient refrigerator. Over the years refrigerators have become more energy efficient. Motors, insulation, and magnetic door seals have been improved over time, which means that a modern refrigerator consumes less energy than a model older in the same size. You can reduce the electricity consumption of your refrigerator more by choosing a model that is highly energy efficient. A refrigerator that has an Energy Star rating will use much less energy than a model that is ten years or older. Energy efficiency is especially important for consumers with limited access to the grid for electricity. 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 that are out of reach for a lot of families earning less than $2 per day. 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 and. 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 device that begins as a liquid, and then passes through a compressor that compresses the liquid to form a vapor. The vapor then flows through coils on the outside of the fridge where it draws heat from the fridge, settling down before returning to a liquid. This process is repeated many times, ensuring that the food remains cold while the vapor moves through the coils. While refrigerators remain among the most expensive appliances for off-grid consumers, improving their energy efficiency makes them more affordable. A refrigerator that is powered by a smaller SHS will be operated with less energy. This will reduce the total system cost. Depending on the size, style, and features of the refrigerator, the energy savings will vary. For instance, ice makers and through-the-door water dispensers add cost, but can significantly increase the energy use which, in turn, increases the SHS required to power it. Maintenance The life span of a refrigerator can be greatly improved with regular maintenance and inspection. This can be accomplished by checking the condenser coils, the 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 filter is also essential. These simple maintenance tasks can prolong the lifespan of your fridge and reduce your energy costs. Cleaning the inside of your fridge regularly is the simplest and most efficient method to keep it clean. This means throwing away old food items and wiping the shelves and crispers, walls and the inside of the doors of your refrigerator and freezer. This will prevent unpleasant odors as well as reduce the risk of food-borne illnesses. It is recommended to check regularly the temperature of your refrigerator with a fridge thermometer. Unmaintained fridges are prone to temperature fluctuations that can cause food waste and more expensive electricity bills. The condenser coils inside your refrigerator are also required to be cleaned every two years. This will get rid of any hair, dirt, grime or other debris that has built up. These coils, which are essentially radiators that help remove heat from the refrigerator are located at the bottom or rear of the appliance. When these are dirty, they aren't able to release heat as effectively and your refrigerator will use more power to run. Another thing to check often is the gasket in your refrigerator that is designed to form an airtight seal between your refrigerator and your home's ductwork. This is essential to ensure your fridge's contents stay cold, but over time the seal could wear down from greasy fingerprints, sticky syrups, and dripping drinks. To keep your fridge's gasket in good condition, often clean it with a an aqueous cloth. It is also a good idea, to clean the drip tray, which is located generally beneath the compressor unit of the refrigerator. The pan is used to collect water from the defrost cycle and should be wiped down on a regular basis to prevent the growth of odors or mold.
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