Things to Know Before Buying a Refrigerator

Diwali is around the corner, as custom families are planning to spend money. And it is believed, that spending on Diwali brings prosperity. Usually, people prefer buying household utilities ranging from a spoon to a brand-new car or a new house altogether. Many consider purchasing a refrigerator too. Refrigerator or a fridge, whatever you may call it, be it summer or winter, you cannot deny the utility of this essential good. In this article, we will also walk you through the five points that one should know before buying a refrigerator this Diwali.

Salesmen may overwhelm you with loads of information to convince you to purchase a refrigerator. You must have some first-hand information about the same.

1. Types of Refrigerators

Technically, there are two technologies refrigerators can operate on:

1. Direct Cool Refrigerators
2. Frost Free Refrigerators

The former circulates the natural air for cooling and it provides a uniform cooling by convection throughout the fridge. It also consumes less energy and is comparatively cheap. However, the frost-free refrigerators come up with temperature regulators, and they use electric fans for cooling. And also comes up with a thermostat for temperature regulation.

1. Structure

There are two models of refrigerators, a double door, and single door fridge respectively. The former are large-sized refrigerators and come up with two separate compartments. The compartmentalization is done based on the type of food items one can store separately. Usually, the first compartment is used for storing vegetables and fruits and the second one is used for storing liquid food items like water or milk. In the later model, there is only one main door. They usually come in small sizes and are economical.

1. Purpose of Use

The third point that is worth discussing is the use of refrigerators. You might be thinking that the fridge is only used to keep perishables from damage. And you might know about the use of refrigerators in summer. But here we are going to give you some insights into the usages of fridges in winter. You might be aware that the ideal temperature recommended for a refrigerator is between 38-40 degrees Fahrenheit. Hence, in winters it is recommended to store eatables at this temperature only. It means, in winters, while the temperature outside is freezing, the fridge plays a crucial role and keeps the food warm and hence preventing it from freezing. So, now you know, the refrigerator is not only for summers but for winters too.

1. Specifications

In the fourth point, we’ll discuss the technicalities of a refrigerator. Have you ever wondered about the different parts with which a fridge is made up? Let us know about the 5 basic parts which are common in all refrigerators. The compressor compresses the refrigerant gas, heat exchange pipes dissipate the heat, the expansion valve, and the refrigerant which is a liquid that cools the temperature inside a fridge. The refrigerators may differ on the type of refrigerants and other parts used. However, the core components remain the same in all appliances.

1. Energy Efficiency

In the fifth point, we will ponder upon the question of refrigerators and energy efficiency. Budget expenditure has a direct correlation with the energy efficiency of refrigerators. To make you understand energy efficiency much easier, a 5-star rating is labeled, to the refrigerators. More stars mean more energy efficiency. Generally, it is advisable to buy three or more star-labeled refrigerators. Energy efficiency not only saves money but also saves the environment. As energy can neither be created nor destroyed, it only changes its form. Saving energy consumption in a refrigerator translates into energy availability for another appliance and so on.

And now, here are some best practices for the safe usage of a refrigerator:

• Always cover the food while storing it in a refrigerator.
• Set the temperature between 38-40 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Avoid keeping hot food in the refrigerator directly. Let the food cool for some time before keeping it inside a fridge.
• Regularly clean your fridge.
• Avoid washing the groceries before storing them inside a fridge.

Having discussed the nuances of fridge models and some healthy storage practices, we hope you are now better equipped with the information needed to make an informed decision about your Diwali purchase.