What temperature should a fridge be?
The recommended temperature to keep your fridge at should be between 3°C and 5°C. Within that range, choose the colder setting when the fridge is at its fullest e.g., at Christmas. This will keep all your food in the best condition, helping contents to last longer; assuming items are not packed too close together.
If you notice food being frozen and/or ice forming on the fridge’s walls, it might be that you have accidentally pressed the fast-freeze button (as per the picture above).
What number should my fridge be on?
If your fridge doesn’t have a temperature dial, then it will have temperature settings typically ranging from 1 to 5. The higher the number, the colder the fridge.
Knowing which level is best for you depends on how full you keep your fridge. If you fill it during a monthly big shop, then colder settings like 3 or 4 are ideal. But if you tend to not keep much in there, then 2 should serve you fine.
Why is my fridge freezing?
If your fridge is freezing the food inside, then it’s a sign that it could be on the way out. But, before rushing out to start looking for a replacement, there are a few things you can check first. We have mentioned the quick-freeze function that some appliances have. But also check the following:
Temperature
The ideal temperature for a fridge is between 3°C and 5°C. So, if it is any lower it could be why items are freezing. A handy way to check is to pop a glass of water on the top shelf for a day. Afterwards, take it out and put a thermometer in. If it doesn’t read within two degrees of your chosen temperature, then the temperature sensor may need replacing. Feel free to contact us!
Blocked air vents
Your fridge uses vents to circulate cold air through the cabinet. If there’s no room for proper airflow, then your food could be exposed to lower temperatures than intended. Simply, re-arrange the contents to make sure nothing is blocking these vents.
Leaky door seals
Door seals that leak and which are grubby and cannot be cleaned up easily are a common reason why people decide to buy a new appliance.
A problem with the seal on your fridge means that the fridge has to work harder to maintain the same temperature, costing you more money in electricity. Also, the appliance can over compensate and lead to the contents of the fridge freezing.
To check for a leaky door seal, place a piece of paper between the door and the fridge and close it. Then try to remove the paper, if it comes away easily, then an airtight seal hasn’t been formed and you should look to repair the door seal or replace the appliance.
How to dispose of a fridge freezer
Do you want to dispose of your old fridge/freezer or would you like us to do it? All things being equal, customers would rather we looked after this problem for them! During the year, we have numerous promotions including recycling of old appliances, so just ask us!
That said, if you are disposing of an old fridge freezer yourself, then it needs to be taken to a house waste recycling centre. In Hampshire, the ones run by the County Council are listed here: https://www.hants.gov.uk/wasteandrecycling/recyclingcentres
How to defrost a fridge
We have written a helpful article about defrosting a fridge here. Warm air gets inside when you open the freezer door, the air condenses into water and then freezes into ice. That is why appliances need defrosting.
How much electricity does a fridge freezer use?
If efficiency is important when buying a fridge freezer, you can find out how much electricity an appliance uses looking at the product data sheet. For example, an A-rated fridge freezers uses approximately 109kWh per year. Find out more about energy efficiency here.
How do I know the fridge light goes out when I close the door?
I think that’s one too many questions!!!!!!!
