In every Indian household, the refrigerator is regarded as a silent sentinel that keeps our food fresh and our drinks cold.
But like any hardworking machine, it needs some care from us if it is to continue functioning efficiently for many more years.
It’s also a good idea to take care of your refrigerator during the monsoon season when there may be higher levels of humidity and frequent power fluctuations.
So without further ado, let’s look at some practical ways in which you can extend the life of your refrigerator, thereby saving yourself both money and trouble later on.
Getting to Know Your Fridge
Before we get into what you should do, let us first understand how refrigerators work. Basically, these appliances remove heat energy from their interiors and then release it outside, thus making things cooler inside.
Some important parts include:
- Compressor – This serves as the heart of any cooling system.
- Condenser Coils – These are where hot refrigerant gives off its heat before changing back into liquid form again.
- Evaporator – Located inside the freezer section; absorbs heat energy from food and drink items placed within it, causing them to freeze solid quickly.
- Thermostat – Controls temperature level by switching compressor on or off depending on current readings taken by sensing bulb located somewhere nearby this unit itself, such as behind its inner paneling.
- Door Seals – These keep cold air in while preventing warm air from entering which would defeat the purpose served by having a fridge at all!
By knowing about these components, one can easily take better care of their fridge and detect potential problems early enough too!
Habits That Promote Daily Refrigerator Wellness
Be Gentle With The Door
You might not think it makes much difference, but being mindful about opening/closing frequency could greatly increase lifespan expectancy! Especially during hotter times when humidity levels are high. Think ahead when going up to the fridge – take out what all you need in a single trip instead of going back and forth multiple times for various items.
Arrange Things For Efficiency
Another way is having everything arranged properly. Apart from looking nice, it also helps with energy conservation. Proper arrangement allows good air flow throughout which contributes towards maintaining a uniform temperature inside the whole unit at any given time.
Here’s a basic guide:
- Place dairy products on the topmost shelves since they require lower temperatures than other foods.
- Use special compartments provided specifically meant for storing fruits or vegetables; these drawers usually have adjustable humidity levels too, so make use of them accordingly!
- The bottom shelf is best suitable for raw meat products as this prevents cross-contamination in case there might be any liquids dripping down from above it onto those stored below.
- Door racks should be used keeping condiments and drinks such that they won’t occupy much space required by other food items placed elsewhere inside the refrigerator compartment itself where necessary.
By sticking to such an arrangement, not only will one prolong their refrigerator’s lifetime but also reduce wastage of food due to spoilage!
Don’t Overstuff It
Although after a shopping spree we tend to pack everything we bought into our fridges till they overflow, it’s not advisable since lack of enough space can lead to blockage of air, hence making the compressor work harder than usual. Therefore, always leave about a quarter empty whenever possible so that the cool breeze may roam freely across its chambers.
Weekly Maintenance Routines
Clean Spills Immediately
We know accidents happen, but ignoring them could result in unpleasant smells or even mold formation! So ensure each week to wipe clean all surfaces including shelves, trays and bins using warm water mixed with a mild detergent solution, then rinse well afterwards with clean water before drying off completely. However, if stubborn stains still persist, apply a paste made from baking soda plus some drops of water directly onto affected areas, leaving it to sit for a few minutes, scrubbing gently until the stain disappears, followed by rinsing again as usual.
Turn Around Food
In order to avoid neglected leftovers becoming a science experiment, rotate food items on a weekly basis. Bring older products to the front and put newer ones in the back. This not only keeps your fridge cleaner but also reduces waste.
Once a Month Deep Clean and Check-up
Inspect and Clean Door Seals
Door seals (or gaskets) keep cold air in and warm air out; check them monthly for cracks or food debris. You should clean seals with warm soapy water regularly throughout their lifespan – then dry them thoroughly afterward! A well-maintained seal means that your refrigerator doesn’t have to strain itself staying cool all day long.
Defrost if Necessary
If you own a manual defrost freezer or fridge-freezer combo unit, don’t let frost build up more than 1/4 inch thick – it’ll cause extra work for less performance from your appliance! Use this opportunity as an excuse for cleaning out everything inside both compartments while completing a full defrost cycle.
Seasonal Care
Monsoon Madness: Rainy Season Extra Care
Indian monsoons present unique challenges for refrigeration equipment due to high levels of humidity which can lead to excessive condensation within units if not addressed properly. Here are some tips specific to this time of year:
- Silica gel packets/activated charcoal sachets should be used liberally around affected areas so they can absorb excess moisture content like sponges do water drops after cleaning spillages. These can be purchased at most supermarkets or chemists.
- Keep an eye on fluctuations in temperature more closely than usual – this will help identify whether there may be an issue such as a blocked fan causing poor airflow.
- Ensure good ventilation around the fridge is maintained by leaving space between it and any surrounding walls or cupboards, especially those made out of non-breathable materials like chipboard which tend to trap moisture against surfaces internally, thus promoting mold growth.
- Be extra vigilant about wiping down surfaces frequently throughout the monsoons so as to prevent accumulation of moisture within cabinets where it could result in mold colonies thriving undetected behind closed doors!
Summer Surge: Preparing for Heatwaves
When temperatures rise dramatically during summer time, refrigerators work overtime trying to keep things cool – here’s what you can do:
- Avoid situating your refrigerator too close to windows where direct sunlight hits the hardest, plus steer clear from other heat sources like ovens or radiators.
- Make sure there’s adequate airflow all around the appliance by not jamming it tightly against walls; also remember that fridges breathe through their backs! If possible, leave at least two inches (5 cm) gap between the back of the unit and the nearest vertical surface behind it.
- Consider investing in a voltage stabilizer if the power supply tends to fluctuate excessively within the area where you reside; this will safeguard against sudden surges damaging sensitive electronic components inside your fridge – but make sure the stabilizer chosen has a sufficient capacity rating to match the maximum connected load required by the appliance being protected, otherwise effectiveness might be compromised under heavy loads such as during start-up cycles when the compressor kicks on at full speed ahead, drawing high currents momentarily.
- Don’t open the door unnecessarily often during the hottest part(s) of the day when ambient temps peak highest, thereby creating bigger temperature differentials across the cabinet insulation, resulting in energy wastage due to frequent defrosting cycles triggered by large influxes of warm air entering the compartment whenever someone accesses contents frequently while seeking refreshments!
Looking For an Upgrade? Choose Haier India!
When it’s time to upgrade your refrigerator, Haier India offers innovative solutions that combine efficiency with convenience. Their latest range of refrigerators comes equipped with state-of-the-art features designed specifically for Indian households. The Twin Inverter Technology ensures optimal cooling while consuming minimal energy, making it both eco-friendly and economical.
Haier’s Convertible Zone technology is particularly noteworthy, allowing you to transform your freezer into additional refrigerator space when needed – perfect for hosting large gatherings or storing extra vegetables during festival seasons. The Anti-Bacterial Gasket prevents the growth of harmful microorganisms, while the Quick Cool and Quick Freeze functions help maintain food freshness even during power cuts. Visit Haier official website to explore more!
Additionally, Haier’s smart refrigerators come with humidity control features that are especially beneficial during monsoon seasons, preventing excess moisture build-up and keeping your food fresher for longer. With various capacities and designs available, there’s a Haier refrigerator perfect for every Indian kitchen.