Refrigerators are perhaps one single electronic appliance without which it is next to impossible to store the food and keep it safe and fresh. Most of the food items will start to stink when you put them out of your refrigerator, even for some time. That is why a perfect refrigerator for a home is extensively used to preserve perishable items such as dairy products, meats, fruits, and vegetables.
Now, everyone has their own patterns of using refrigerators, and some practices can easily damage fridges and destroy your massive investment. There are some general habits that can easily reduce the lifespan of your refrigerator and make it prone to damage. Let’s see what habits can damage the fridge.
Top 6 Bad Habits That Would Damage the Fridge
- Slamming the Door of a Fridge
Fridge doors are meant to be handled gently and smashing them hard would damage the fridge permanently. In a routine, slamming the door wouldn’t seem a big issue to you, but in the long run, it comes with a lot of trouble. The door of the refrigerator has seals which are responsible for keeping the cold air inside. When you wear down the door with repeated slamming, the fridge’s ability to maintain a consistent internal temperature nosedive makes the work of the compressor hard, which eventually results in more energy consumption. Not to mention that constant smashing of the door will destroy the hinges of the fridge and require replacement.
The solution to this issue is as simple as it seems: avoid closing the door of the fridge harshly, and you will be good to go.
- Leaving the Door Open
Many people ask, does leaving the fridge door open damage it? The answer is yes. This is due to the fact that you invite warm air to enter the fridge this way, which causes internal temperatures to rise. Eventually, the refrigerator’s compressor has to work overtime to cool the interior back down, which leads to increased wear and tear and creates higher energy bills.
That is why developing the habit of quickly grabbing what you need and closing the door promptly will save you from much trouble.
- Overstocking the Fridge
A significant majority of people overstock fridges and put their appliances at risk. Whether having a fridge or a freezer, when you insert more things in a refrigerator than its capacity, the fridge will struggle to generate the necessary cooling. When air cannot circulate freely within the refrigerator, some areas will not cool properly and will result in uneven temperatures and, hence food spoilage. An overstocked fridge also forces the compressor to work harder, which can influence the longevity of your fridge. The key here is to organize your fridge efficiently and leave enough space for air to circulate. Try to use clear storage bins to keep items neatly arranged and easily accessible.
- Neglecting to Defrost Regularly
Refrigerators without automatic defrosting features have to be defrosted regularly. Otherwise, the ice will build up on the cooling coils and act as an insulator, which reduces the efficiency of the cooling system and increases compressor duty. Over time, this will bring higher energy consumption and damage the fridge.
What you can do here is to regularly defrost your fridge according to the manufacturer’s instructions. For models with automatic defrost, constantly check if the feature is functioning correctly.
- Overlooking the Temperature Setting
Setting the refrigerator temperature too high or too low has adverse effects. Both scenarios put extra strain on the compressor and affect the performance and longevity of your refrigerator. Always check and adjust the temperature settings regularly.
But what’s the suitable temperature range for your fridge? Here are some key references to consider regarding the optimal temperature for a fridge:
FDA Recommendation: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) suggests that the refrigerator temperature should be at or below 40°F (4°C)[1]. However, it is worth noting that the ideal temperature for the refrigerator is slightly lower.
Ideal Temperature: Aim to keep your refrigerator temperature between 35°F and 38°F (or 1.7°C to 3.3°C) [1]. This range helps to maintain the freshness and quality of your food.
Freezer Temperature: The freezer temperature should be set at or below 0°F (-18°C) [1]. Freezing food at this temperature prevents the growth of bacteria and preserves the quality of frozen items.
- Placing Hot Food Directly Inside
Placing hot food directly into the refrigerator would raise the internal temperature and force the compressor to work harder to cool the hot food and the surrounding items. This sudden influx of heat has the potential to spoil other stored items.
Always wait for hot food to cool down before placing it in the fridge. This practice maintains the refrigerator’s efficiency and ensures that all food items are stored safely.
Wrapping-Up
Refrigerators are present in almost all modern-day houses, but the lack of awareness about their proper use damages fridges. That is why every fridge user, no matter whether you have a white French door fridge or a black side-by-side refrigerator, has to develop some habits to save their appliance from any damage. Another exceptional way of protecting your fridge from potential damage is to get your hands on a premium device offered by the best fridge manufacturer. That’s because they always utilize high-end technologies and strict quality control to manufacture their products. They have a range of products available to attract eyeballs right at first glance.
Reference
- Available at: https://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/shopping-storing/food/refrigerator-temperature
