Refrigeration Maintained in the Summer

Keep the Refrigeration Appliances Maintained in the Summer

When it comes to fridges & freezers, there’s a small paradox. We mostly need them in the summer, but that’s when our refrigeration appliances need us the most too. Even if you don’t clean, check, and maintain refrigerators & freezers during the year, it’s necessary that you do it in the summer. Let’s see why.

Although freezers and refrigerators work in a slightly different way, they have a similar purpose in life. That’s to keep all perishables fresh. Of course, freezers freeze items so that we keep them for much longer. In order for the refrigeration appliances to cool at the right temperatures, their mechanism must be in excellent condition. All their parts must be in good shape. So, what may cause a problem?

Refrigerators try to cool when there’s a heat wave

When the weather is very warm, refrigeration appliances suffer the most. They are affected by the heat, even if the house is air conditioned. And don’t forget how many times we open the fridge a day, especially in the summer. The more you open the fridge door and the more you keep the door open, the harder the fridge tries to cool. That’s because the warm heat enters the home appliance and compromises the cool temperatures in the fridge.

That also happens when you add items (bottles with tap water, sodas you just bought, etc.) at room temperature or warmer to the fridge. The refrigerator’s system works harder because the warm items affect the cool environment in the appliance.

Simply put, the heat waves of the summer affect the fridge. The appliance works harder because let’s face it, it’s only natural that we open the fridge more times during the summer. It’s only natural that we keep adding fruits, water, and sodas since we consume them more and need them more often.

And that’s not all.

Where do you keep the fridge?

You may have heard a fridge technician talking about the mistake of putting this particular kitchen appliance next to the window or other openings. The problem is this. The fridge must be away from heat sources, as it’s the warmth of the summer. Why? Because, once more, it is urged to work harder. And not just that. Some people keep a fridge in their shed or garage. In such places, the temperatures are even higher than indoors and so the appliance works even harder.

Is your refrigerator free of debris?

Fridge coils get dirty. The back part of the appliance, where all the coils are found, is easy to get dusty, especially during the summer. How come? Because we open the patio door more often. Also, there’s most dust in the summer, fewer rainy days, more hours of AC operation and overall, the environment is burdened with debris. The coils are bound to get really dirty in the summer. Once again, when the coils of the fridge are dirty and dusty, the appliance works harder to cool properly.

Figured out what the problem is yet?

On all such occasions, we noticed one thing. The refrigerator works harder to cool. Now, when this happens, it consumes more energy. It also wears. Eventually, these problems are bad for your wallet. The day for fridge repairs comes closer. The day to get a new fridge will also come closer. In the meanwhile, you keep paying more for energy while the fridge is not working at its best.

What you should do

Maintain the fridge and freezer in the summer. If there are some problems, like a broken door seal, contact a refrigerator technician to replace it. Damaged seals keep the door from closing well and so, will cost you in energy too.

It’s important to keep the coils clean and vacuum all dust behind and under the appliance so that the refrigeration process won’t be affected. And don’t put hot food in the fridge; it’s enough that you will be obliged to put some items at room temps.

It’s also important to know that the fridge works better when it’s filled enough but not entirely so that the air will circulate without problems. And one last thing. Don’t keep the door open. It’s vital to maintain the refrigeration appliances in the summer but also follow some basic rules.