10 Healthy Refridgerator Habits
How to Choose a Refrigerator
Refrigerators (sometimes called fridges) are kitchen appliances that keep food and drinks cold. They are used in homes, offices hotels, and college dorms.
Certain refrigerators come with smart features like sensors and cameras. Others have touchscreens to allow you to watch videos, browse recipes, view family calendars and shopping lists or leave notes for family members.
Temperature Control
The proper temperature in the refrigerator keeps foods safe for storage and slows the degradation of many food items due to spoilage. This is particularly important with food such as eggs and milk, which are susceptible to rotting at ambient temperatures, but remain stable at refrigerator levels. Refrigerators can also be used to store pharmaceuticals like vaccines or drugs that lose their efficacy as time passes. Refrigerator monitoring systems are readily available to ensure that an medical laboratory or medical facility maintains an appropriate cold chain.
A refrigerator is equipped with an internal thermal insulator to keep its contents cooler than the surrounding environment. It uses the heat pump to move warm air from the refrigerator into an insulated compartment where it becomes very cold. The refrigerator also has a temperature control system that turns on the cooling system if its internal temperature exceeds the pre-set threshold. This stops the growth of bacteria inside the refrigerator.
Each section of the refrigerator is designed to serve a particular purpose. The bottom shelves are great for perishables, such as fresh meats and vegetables that require the most low temperature to keep their texture and taste. The shelves should be kept clear to allow cool air to circulate within the refrigerator. A separate deli drawer can be used to store soft cheeses and cured meats to create the perfect charcuterie board.
Certain refrigerators have stainless steel or glass doors to safeguard the interior. They also make it easier to clean. Some refrigerators include a door-alarm that can be programmed. It will alert you if the fridge freezer is left open too long. You can set them to notify multiple people and in escalating levels depending on your needs. You can set them to send temperature graphs via email or text.
Freestanding appliance thermometers are a cheap alternative to the built-in thermometers found in most refrigerators. It is essential to check the refrigerator and freezer temperature frequently, particularly during power outages or when temperature settings are changed manually. Ideally, both the fridge and freezer should be set to 40 degrees Fahrenheit or less.
Capacity of Storage
The capacity of your refrigerator is an important factor when choosing the model that best suits your needs. There are many sizes available, from small models that have a capacity of less than 15 cubic feet to larger models that have a capacity of more than 26 cubic feet. To determine the size you require, take into consideration your family's eating habits and the number of people who live in your home. On average, 11-13 cubic feet of refrigerator space is sufficient for two people, while 18 to 22 cubic feet is recommended for three to four persons.
In addition to looking at the overall space of your kitchen, look at the depth of your refrigerator. Certain models are deeper than others, which allows them to fit into small spaces without taking up too much room under your counters. Cabinet-depth refrigerators are another alternative. Their depth is similar to that of a standard kitchen cabinet front, however the handles can extend a bit further. They can be a great choice for areas where counter space is limited and can appear more stylish than traditional fridges.
When shopping for a refrigerator, ask about its noise level and energy consumption. Many manufacturers provide quieter refrigerators for homes. Some offer refrigerators with less electricity consumption than similar models. Look for the yellow Energy Guide label on appliances to find out the typical energy consumption for a specific model. Test the appliance by opening and closing its doors.
The pantry drawer is usually the largest section of the refrigerator that has separate temperature controls. It can be used to store a variety items. These drawers can be used to store party trays wine, other food items and more at a specific temperature. They can be programmed to store wine or deli food items as well as soft drinks, depending on the model.
Energy Efficiency
Refrigerators use a lot of electricity. It is therefore important to choose an energy-efficient refrigerator. Over the years, refrigerators have become increasingly energy efficient. The insulation, motors and magnetic door seals on a modern refrigerator use less energy than a refrigerator that is of the same size. It is possible to cut down on the power consumption of your refrigerator further by buying an energy efficient model. A refrigerator with an Energy Star rating will use much less energy than a model ten years or older.
It is important to consider energy efficiency for those who have limited access to electricity grids. Refrigerators are typically one of the most expensive appliances for households that are off grid, and their high energy consumption means that they require huge solar home systems (SHS) that are not affordable for many families making less than $2 a day. A refrigerator's annual energy consumption is therefore an important aspect in determining if it is cost-effective for consumers to buy and run (PATH and WHO 2013; McCarney et al, 2012).
To understand how refrigerators function first, we must understand the fundamental refrigeration cycle. A refrigerator cools by pushing liquid refrigerant through a sealed unit: it starts as a liquid and goes through a compressor which compresses the liquid to form an liquid. The vapor then flows through coils that are outside the fridge and draws heat out of it. It then cools down, and turns back to liquid. This process repeats repeatedly to keep food cool as the vapor moves through the coils.
Refrigerators are among the most expensive appliances that consumers who live off grid can buy however, improving their energy efficiency will make them more affordable. By cutting down on the amount of energy they use the refrigerator can be powered by a smaller SHS and reduce the overall cost of the system for consumers. Depending on the dimensions, style, and features of the refrigerator, energy savings will vary. Ice-makers and water dispensers through the door, for instance are costly however they can also increase the energy consumption of the refrigerator, which increases the amount of SHS required to power it.
Maintenance
Regular maintenance and inspection can greatly increase the lifespan of your refrigerator. This can be done by checking the condenser coils, the ice maker, the defrost drain, as well as the gasket seal on the door to ensure it's in good shape. Cleaning and replacing the water filter is also important. fridge on sale will ensure the longevity of your refrigerator and save money on your energy bills.
Cleaning the inside of your refrigerator regularly is the easiest and most efficient method to keep it clean. This includes throwing out old food items, cleaning shelves and crispers, walls and interior of your refrigerator's doors. This will lower the chance of contracting foodborne illness and unpleasant smells. A fridge thermometer is recommended for checking the temperature of your fridge regularly. A refrigerator that isn't properly maintained can be subject to temperature fluctuations that can lead to food spoilage as well as a higher electric bill.
It is also important to clean the condenser coils in your refrigerator every two years to get rid of any dirt hair, dust and other debris that may have accumulated. These coils, which are essentially radiators that help to remove heat from the refrigerator, are located at the bottom or rear of your appliance. When these are dirty, they won't be able to disperse heat as effectively and your refrigerator will require more energy to run.
Another thing to check frequently is the gasket on your refrigerator that is designed to create an air-tight seal between the refrigerator and your home's ductwork. This is vital to ensure your fridge's contents remain cold However, over time, the seal could wear down from greased fingerprints, sticky syrups, and dripping beverages. Clean the seal of your fridge with a an abrasive towel to keep it in good condition.
In the end, it's an ideal idea to regularly clean the drip pan, which is typically located beneath the compressor unit. This pan is used for collecting the water from the refrigerator's defrost cycle. It is recommended to clean it regularly to prevent the development of mold and unpleasant smells.