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How to Choose a Refrigerator Refrigerators (sometimes called a fridge) are kitchen appliances that keep food and beverages cold. They are commonly used in homes and in hotels, offices, and college dorm rooms. Some refrigerators are equipped with smart features, like sensors and cameras. Some refrigerators have touchscreens that let you view videos and search for recipes, browse family calendars, or shopping lists. You can also leave notes. Temperature Control The right temperature for refrigerators keeps foods safe for storage which slows down the degradation of many foods due to spoilage. This is especially crucial for foods such as eggs and milk, which could quickly turn rotten when exposed to temperatures that are not ideal but stay stable in the refrigerator. Refrigerators are also extensively used to store pharmaceuticals such as vaccines and drugs that lose efficacy as time passes. Refrigerator monitoring systems are readily available to help ensure a medical facility or laboratory has a safe cold chain. A refrigerator's internal thermal insulator keeps its contents cooler than the surrounding air. It utilizes the heat pump to move warm air from the refrigerator into an insulated storage compartment where it gets extremely cold. The refrigerator is equipped with a control system that activates the cooling system if its internal temperature is higher than a preset threshold. This prevents bacteria from growing within the refrigerator. Each section of the refrigerator is designed to serve a specific function. The lower shelves are ideal for storing perishables like fresh vegetables and meats which require the lowest temperatures to preserve their flavor and texture. The shelves must be kept clear to allow cool air to circulate through the refrigerator. Keep soft cheeses and cured items in a separate deli drawer to create the perfect charcuterie platter. Refrigerators also come with glass or stainless steel doors to protect the interior and facilitate cleaning. Certain refrigerators have a door alarm that can be programmed. It will alert you when the fridge or freezer is left open too long. They can be programmed to alert multiple individuals and in escalating tiers based on your requirements. They can be configured to record and send temperature graphs remotely via text message or email. The majority of refrigerators come with thermometers however for those who don't, a stand-alone appliance thermometer is an inexpensive way to monitor the temperature of your freezer and fridge. It is important to monitor the refrigerator and freezer temperature often, especially after a power outage or if temperature settings are changed manually. Ideally, both the fridge and freezer should be set to 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below. Capacity of Storage The capacity of your refrigerator is a key aspect to consider when selecting the model that will best suit your requirements. There are many sizes to pick from, ranging from small refrigerators that have a capacity of less than 15 cubic feet to larger models that hold over 26 cubic feet. Think about your family's cooking style and the amount of people who live in your house to determine which size is best for you. On average, 11 to 13 cubic feet of refrigerator space is enough for two people, whereas 18 to 22 cubic feet are recommended for three to four people. In addition to looking at the total interior space consider the depth of your refrigerator. Some models are deeper than others to allow them to fit in small spaces and not take up too much space under your counters. Cabinet-depth refrigerators are a good option. Their depth is similar to the depth of a typical kitchen cabinet front, however the handles may extend a little more. They are a great option for those with limited counter space. They can also appear more modern. When buying a refrigerator, inquire about the level of noise and energy consumption. Many manufacturers offer quieter refrigerators suitable for residential use. Other refrigerators have less electricity consumption than similar models. You can find out the energy usage of a refrigerator by looking at the yellow Energy Guide label. Also, test the model's operation by opening and closing the doors. The pantry drawer is usually a full width section of the refrigerator with separate temperature controls. It can be used to store a variety of items. These drawers can be used to store party trays, 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 consume a lot electricity. Therefore, it is crucial to choose a energy-efficient refrigerator. Over time, refrigerators have become increasingly energy efficient. Insulation, motors, as well as magnetic door seals have all improved over time, which means that a modern refrigerator consumes less energy than a model older in the same size. It is possible to cut down on the refrigerator's electricity consumption even further by buying an energy efficient model. A refrigerator that has an Energy Star rating will use less energy than a model that is 10 years old or older. It is important to consider energy efficiency for those who have limited access to electricity grids. Refrigerators are typically among the most costly appliances for homes that are not connected to the grid and their large energy consumption means they require large solar home systems (SHS) that are unaffordable for many families making less than $2 per day. The energy consumption of a refrigerator is therefore an important element in determining whether it is economical 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 by pushing a liquid refrigerant through a sealed system beginning as a liquid, and then goes through a compressor which compresses the liquid to form a vapor. The vapor is then pumped into coils outside the refrigerator and draws heat out of it. It then cools down and then returns to liquid. This process repeats many times, ensuring that the food remains cold while the vapor flows through the coils. Although refrigerators are among the most expensive appliances available to off-grid consumers, improving their energy efficiency makes them more affordable. By reducing the amount of energy they consume, a refrigerator can be powered by a smaller SHS and reduce overall system costs for consumers. Energy savings vary depending on the dimensions, design, and features of the refrigerator. For instance, ice-makers and through-the-door water dispensers add cost, but they can also significantly increase the refrigerator's energy consumption which, in turn, increases the SHS required to power it. Maintenance The life expectancy of a refrigerator could be greatly improved with regular maintenance and inspection. This can be done by inspecting the condenser coils, the ice maker, the defrost drain, and the gasket seal on the door to ensure it's in good shape. Cleaning and changing water filters is also important. These simple maintenance tasks will aid in prolonging the life of your refrigerator as well as save money on your energy bills. Cleaning the inside of your refrigerator regularly is the easiest and most efficient way to keep it in good condition. This means throwing away old food, wiping down shelves and crispers, walls, and the interior of the refrigerator's doors. This will eliminate unpleasant odors and lower the risk of foodborne illnesses. It is recommended to check regularly the temperature of your refrigerator by using the help of a thermometer for your fridge. Refrigerators that aren't maintained may experience temperature fluctuations that could cause food waste and higher electricity bills. The condenser coils in your refrigerator are also required to be cleaned at least twice a year. This will remove any hair, dirt, grime or other debris that may have accumulated. These coils, which are essentially radiators that remove heat from the refrigerator, are located at the bottom or back of the appliance. When these are dirty, they aren't able to release heat as efficiently, and your refrigerator will use more power to run. Another thing to be able to check often is the gasket in your refrigerator, which is designed to create an air-tight seal between your refrigerator and your home's ductwork. It is crucial to ensure that your fridge's contents remain cold. However with time, the seal can be worn down by sticky and greasy fingerprints. syrups. Clean the seal of your fridge with a the help of a damp towel to keep it in good condition. In the end, it's recommended to clean the drip pan, which is usually situated under the compressor unit. The pan is used to store the water that is drained from the defrost process, and it should be cleaned regularly to avoid the buildup of odors and mold.