Keeping your Fridge Cool During the Summer
July 27, 2022
After the recent weeks we’ve had in the UK this July, we have all been trying to stay as cool as possible. With areas of the UK reaching a record 40 degrees, it's safe to say we haven’t had the typical British summer just yet. However, these unprecedented weather conditions have come along with unprecedented challenges within the household and yes we are not talking about the struggle to blow up the new paddling pool! You may have noticed many of your household appliances struggling with the heat and refrigeration devices are no different. Throughout this article, we will detail all the ins and outs of ensuring your fridge stays working in optimal condition in the heat so you can keep your ice-cold lemonade staying that way.
Most fridges are built with mechanisms that help to regulate the temperature within the refrigeration device during hot days and heatwaves. In most new and good quality fridges the beverages and food contained within it should stay cool no matter the temperature. Providing your fridge is indoors and not in direct sunlight for the long hours of the days, you should not have to worry about your food becoming inedible or drinks being warm. However, there are a few tips and tricks you can use to ensure you have the coldest fridge in the neighbourhood this summer.
Firstly, we must distinguish that fridges work most optimally in temperatures between 10 to 32 degrees, meaning that in the UK (apart from extreme circumstances) your fridge should be working optimally and be able to handle the heat. It is recommended that you should aim to keep the room that houses your fridge under 30 degrees if you want to avoid warm food and drink. If the temperature does rise above 30 degrees similar to what we saw a few weeks ago in the UK heatwave there are a few tips you can use to optimise your fridge to the best of its ability.
An easy resolution to why your fridge may be overheating in the hot weather is because it is not set to its optimal temperature. As a general rule of thumb, it is best to keep your fridge temperature somewhere between 0 to 5 degrees to maximise performance and energy efficiency and this will help somewhat during a heatwave because your fridge is set to its optimal temperature.
Each fridge is designed with an airtight door to keep the inside cool and to stop cold air from escaping the appliance. The airtight door is kept “air-tight” due to the seal on the door. This seal can sometimes become loose or contain gaps after long-term use. This can lead to cold air escaping and your fridge becoming hotter than it should be. As a short-term fix, you can apply a thin layer of vaseline on the seal section to provide an adequate seal if you are expecting a heatwave for a couple of days however in the long term the door seal will need to be replaced and fixed.
Condenser coils are vital within the cooling process of your fridge. Located at the rear of your fridge, over time they can be submerged in dust, dirt and grime which can affect how well they work. It is always worth checking before a heatwave to ensure they are clean as the performance of the cooling system of your fridge can be affected by the dust. The dust can be cleaned with a vacuum or duster and once clean will benefit your fridge during a heatwave.
A common misconception when it comes to fridges is that people often expect that fridges will have to work harder the more products contained inside them. However, it is actually the opposite with a fully stocked fridge proven to be more energy efficient than an empty fridge that would be less energy efficient. If you haven’t done the weekly shop when the heatwave hits you can always fill your fridge with large bottles or pitchers of water. A win, win situation when it comes to providing you with a more energy-efficient and colder fridge plus lots of cold water for you to enjoy in the sun.
By using these tips and tricks during this summer heatwave you are guaranteed to have the coldest fridge in the whole town. We hope you were able to implement a few of these creative and nifty little tricks that will make all your neighbours wonder how your fridge is so cold.
If you are looking to cool down this summer and need a new refrigeration appliance in the Peterborough, Whittlesey and March area look no further than Kellyvision Appliances. We have a wide range of top-quality, fridges, freezers, fridge freezers, American fridge freezers, wine coolers and chest freezers.
Are Fridges Efficient in the Summer?
Most fridges are built with mechanisms that help to regulate the temperature within the refrigeration device during hot days and heatwaves. In most new and good quality fridges the beverages and food contained within it should stay cool no matter the temperature. Providing your fridge is indoors and not in direct sunlight for the long hours of the days, you should not have to worry about your food becoming inedible or drinks being warm. However, there are a few tips and tricks you can use to ensure you have the coldest fridge in the neighbourhood this summer.
What is a Suitable Room Temperature?
Firstly, we must distinguish that fridges work most optimally in temperatures between 10 to 32 degrees, meaning that in the UK (apart from extreme circumstances) your fridge should be working optimally and be able to handle the heat. It is recommended that you should aim to keep the room that houses your fridge under 30 degrees if you want to avoid warm food and drink. If the temperature does rise above 30 degrees similar to what we saw a few weeks ago in the UK heatwave there are a few tips you can use to optimise your fridge to the best of its ability.
Tips to Keep Cool
Check the Fridge Temperature
An easy resolution to why your fridge may be overheating in the hot weather is because it is not set to its optimal temperature. As a general rule of thumb, it is best to keep your fridge temperature somewhere between 0 to 5 degrees to maximise performance and energy efficiency and this will help somewhat during a heatwave because your fridge is set to its optimal temperature.
Check Seal is Airtight
Each fridge is designed with an airtight door to keep the inside cool and to stop cold air from escaping the appliance. The airtight door is kept “air-tight” due to the seal on the door. This seal can sometimes become loose or contain gaps after long-term use. This can lead to cold air escaping and your fridge becoming hotter than it should be. As a short-term fix, you can apply a thin layer of vaseline on the seal section to provide an adequate seal if you are expecting a heatwave for a couple of days however in the long term the door seal will need to be replaced and fixed.
Check the Coils for Dust
Condenser coils are vital within the cooling process of your fridge. Located at the rear of your fridge, over time they can be submerged in dust, dirt and grime which can affect how well they work. It is always worth checking before a heatwave to ensure they are clean as the performance of the cooling system of your fridge can be affected by the dust. The dust can be cleaned with a vacuum or duster and once clean will benefit your fridge during a heatwave.
Keep your Fridge Full
A common misconception when it comes to fridges is that people often expect that fridges will have to work harder the more products contained inside them. However, it is actually the opposite with a fully stocked fridge proven to be more energy efficient than an empty fridge that would be less energy efficient. If you haven’t done the weekly shop when the heatwave hits you can always fill your fridge with large bottles or pitchers of water. A win, win situation when it comes to providing you with a more energy-efficient and colder fridge plus lots of cold water for you to enjoy in the sun.
Conclusion
By using these tips and tricks during this summer heatwave you are guaranteed to have the coldest fridge in the whole town. We hope you were able to implement a few of these creative and nifty little tricks that will make all your neighbours wonder how your fridge is so cold.
If you are looking to cool down this summer and need a new refrigeration appliance in the Peterborough, Whittlesey and March area look no further than Kellyvision Appliances. We have a wide range of top-quality, fridges, freezers, fridge freezers, American fridge freezers, wine coolers and chest freezers.