Refrigerators are important for storing fresh food.
Refrigerators keep food fresh for longer by maintaining a consistent low temperature that discourages food spoilage. You will find your food spoils quicker in a refrigerator that does not cool properly. Icemaking may also be difficult if the freezer compartment is also too warm. Resolving a cooling problem with your refrigerator will involve repairing or ruling out the most common causes of trouble. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Adjust the refrigerator and freezer compartment to a cooler setting using either the internal control dial or external digital control, depending on your model. Many older refrigerators and freezers are regulated by a dial attached to the inside of the cabinet while some newer models have digital temperature controls. Your refrigerator should be as close to 37 degrees Fahrenheit (2 degrees Celsius) as possible. Freezers should be at 0 F (-17 C). Use a cook's thermometer to set the temperature if your fridge does not have digital controls. Allow 24 hours for each temperature change to take effect. The higher number or letter setting, the cooler the refrigerator or freezer.
2. Ensure that the refrigerator and freezer doors are able to be fully closed. Large items inside the door of the refrigerator or jars and bottles on the shelves can hold the door slightly open, allowing cool air to escape and the internal temperature to rise. Reorganize your refrigerator and freezer so the doors are able to close and the gaskets form a tight seal, keeping room temperature air out and cool air inside.
3. Change how you use the refrigerator and freezer, opening the door less frequently and ensuring that all food has cooled to room temperature before chilling. Cool air is allowed to escape every time the refrigerator or freezer is opened, meaning the appliance has to work harder to chill the food. A lack of cool air can be caused by frequent door opening as well as by storing hot or warm food. Always allow your cooked dishes to cool to room temperature before freezing or refrigerating.
4. Examine the refrigerator and freezer gaskets for signs or damage or corrosion. Cool air can escape the appliance if the gasket is split or missing in places. Gaskets should be attached at all points around the edge of the door and provide an airtight seal between the interior of the appliance and the room temperature air. Make sure the gaskets are not preventing the door from closing if they are loose.
5. Consider moving the refrigerator and freezer to a cooler location in your home, away from appliances such as dryers and ovens. Refrigerators need at least an inch of room on all sides for air to circulate. If the appliance is close to a heat source such as an oven, dryer, radiator or fireplace, it may struggle to cool down adequately. Hot weather can also cause the refrigerator and freezer to warm up. Place the appliance in a cool area of your home.
Tags: refrigerator freezer, room temperature, doors able, freezer compartment, freezer doors, freezer doors able
