Using and maintaining refrigerators efficiently

Why is it important to organise, use and maintain your fridge properly? All fridges share the same goal, which is to preserve food through cold, but there are different methods of distributing the cold and several fridge configurations. •Static cooling: In this type of fridge, the temperature is not uniform inside the appliance because of the natural convection of rising warm air. Depending on the fridge configuration, the coldest part may be at the top of the appliance (for example, in a fridge with a freezer compartment). •Stirred or ventilated cooling: In this type of fridge, the temperature is uniform inside the appliance thanks to forced convection by a fan. These fridges often have a colder zone marked by an indicator, which may be located in the upper or lower part of the fridge. To make the best use of the fridge and organise it well, it is important to read the instructions in the manual in order to know the different zones and temperatures specific to your fridge. Here are some reasons why it is important to organise, use and maintain your fridge effectively: • Optimal food preservation: By organising food properly in the fridge, its shelf life is maximised. For example, perishable foods should be placed in the coldest zone. • Prevention of food waste: A well-organised fridge makes it easy to see the food, which avoids forgotten items and reduces the risk of waste. • Energy savings: When the fridge is packed efficiently, the circulation of cold air is optimised, which allows the appliance to work more efficiently and use less energy. • Food safety: By keeping the fridge clean and checking temperatures regularly, the risks of cross-contamination and of the proliferation of bacteria that are potentially dangerous to health are reduced. • Durability of the appliance: Regular maintenance of the fridge, such as cleaning the door seals and defrosting when necessary, helps extend its lifespan and avoid premature breakdowns. Thus, by adopting good practices for organising, using and maintaining the fridge, food is preserved for longer, the impact on the environment is lower, and financial savings on energy bills can be made. How can you optimise the efficiency of your fridge? To improve performance, save money and extend the fridge’s lifespan, it is recommended to follow this advice: • Avoid storing food that is still hot. It is better to wait for it to cool before placing it in the fridge. • Limit prolonged openings of the fridge door to avoid losing cold. • Do not overload the fridge, so as to allow adequate air circulation between the food. • Set the fridge thermostat to obtain the recommended temperature, generally around 5°C on average. • Avoid proximity to heat sources such as radiators, ovens, etc., as this can increase the fridge’s energy consumption. • Defrost regularly if necessary, in particular when frost is present. A 3 mm build-up of frost increases energy consumption by 30%. • Store food without its outer packaging, to allow better circulation of cold air. • Leave a ventilation gap of at least 5 cm at the back of the fridge to promote good heat exchange with the surroundings. • Regularly clean the black grille at the back of the appliance (condenser) to maintain good heat transfer between the fridge and the room. • Check the condition of the door seals and clean them regularly to prevent cold air leaks. • Regularly clean the inside of the fridge to prevent odours and the proliferation of germs. By following this advice, the efficiency of the fridge is optimised, energy consumption is reduced and fresh food keeps for longer.

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