As summer temperatures soar, staying cool isn't just a priority for us — it’s a struggle for our appliances, too. Even the best refrigerators are working overtime right now to keep our food chilled.
Fortunately, an appliance expert has shared one small tweak you can make to your fridge settings to prevent food from spoiling during a heatwave.
Here, Matthew Glynn, senior product marketing manager at Hisense, shares the essential rule to keep your fridge working efficiently and your food safe to eat.
Go down a few degrees
“When temperatures rise during a heatwave, your fridge has to work harder to keep the inside temperature stable because the surrounding air is warmer." explains Glynn.
“The surrounding warmer air also means the internal temperature of your fridge is likely to warm up quicker when the door is open, meaning food can spoil much more easily.”
To ensure your food is kept safe, Glynn suggests temporarily lowering the temperature setting on your fridge. “I’d recommend dropping it towards the colder end of its range, around 2°C [35.6°F] if your appliance allows,” he says.
So, how does this small drop in temperature help? Glynn explains, “This gives your fridge more capacity to cope with the warmer ambient temperature and helps prevent the internal temperature from creeping up when the door is opened.”
Effectively, this reduces the temperature and protects your food from spoiling, as bacteria need warmth to grow.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommends setting your refrigerator to 40°F or below, with an ideal temperature of 37°F. In the U.K., the Food Standards Agency recommends a temperature between 3°C and 5°C.
If you’re not sure what temperature your refrigerator is set to, Glynn recommends using a fridge thermometer.
4 ways to keep your fridge cool in a heatwave
Aside from reducing your thermostat, there are other measures you can take to help your fridge work more efficiently in the heat.
1. Keep the door closed as much as possible
Every time the door opens, warm air enters and cold air escapes, forcing the appliance to work harder to bring the temperature back down.
2. Don’t overfill your fridge
Leave sufficient space to allow cold air to circulate without being hindered to help maintain an even temperature.
3. Leave food to cool
Allow hot food and leftovers to cool before placing them in the fridge. Large amounts of warm food can temporarily raise the internal temperature and put more pressure on the cooling system.
4. Get tidy
Take advantage of adjustable shelves and storage compartments to keep your fridge tidy, leaving sufficient airflow. It will also allow you to access items quickly without leaving the door open any longer than needed.
