Does Hot Weather Affect Your Fridge?

During the summer, we depend on our fridges to stop food from spoiling and to keep our drinks ice cold and refreshing. However, once the temperature begins to soar, this can put a strain on your fridge and decrease its efficiency. Obviously, this isn’t what you want at a time when you’re relying on your fridge more than ever, so it’s important you understand how hot weather affects your fridge and what can be done to keep it working efficiently.

Luckily, the team at Pacifica is here with this guide on how to keep your fridge cool in hot weather.

What temperature should a fridge be?

The Food Standards Agency – the Government department responsible for enforcing food safety and hygiene regulations – recommends that your fridge stays at a temperature between 2°C and 5°C.

While there is a bit of leeway, anything above 8°C is classed as the ‘danger zone’; this is a temperature that makes it easy for bacteria to thrive. Most modern fridges are fitted with a sensor that will alert you once the temperature rises above a certain level. Should this happen, you’ll need to contact a trusted appliance repair company like Pacificia to identify the cause of the problem.

Does a fridge work better in a hot or cold room?

Fridges will typically work better in a colder environment as the components don’t have to work as hard to expel heat and maintain a cool temperature. In a warmer room, this extra strain can lead to decreased energy efficiency. Therefore, during hot weather, it’s important to be vigilant and keep an eye out for any signs that your fridge is struggling.

Noticed that your fridge seems to be struggling in the hot weather?

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How does hot weather affect your fridge?

But what should you be looking out for and how do you know if hot weather has affected your fridge?

• Increased condensation

During the summer, you’ll probably notice more condensation inside your fridge thanks to the warmer ambient air.

• Leaks

Increased condensation means there’s more water pooling inside your fridge, which can cause blockages and leaks over time.

• Higher energy bills

During the hot weather, your fridge has to work a lot harder to ensure a cool temperature. If this manifests as higher energy bills then your fridge isn’t working as efficiently as it should be and you might need the help of a professional.

• Uneven cooling

If you notice certain areas of your fridge are warmer than others, this is a surefire sign that the hot weather has affected your fridge.

• Strange noises

While it’s normal for your fridge to make some noise, excessive or unusual sounds could indicate that the components of your fridge are under greater strain during warm weather and it may need to be checked by a professional.

How can I keep my fridge cool in hot weather?

Check the seals

Every fridge is equipped with airtight seals lining the door to help prevent cold air from escaping. These may become loose or worn over time, allowing warm air to infiltrate and reducing efficiency, so if summer is approaching then you may want to check how tight your fridge seals are and arrange a replacement if necessary.

Adjust the temperature

To compensate for the hot weather, you might want to set your fridge to a slightly lower temperature than usual – although remember to keep it within 2°C and 5°C for the best results.

Limit opening

The more times you open your fridge, the more warm air you allow inside. During a heatwave, you should only open your fridge when absolutely necessary

Frequent cleaning

Condenser coils play a crucial role in helping to keep your fridge cool, so any kind of dust or grime can reduce their efficiency and put extra strain on the vital component. Every so often, you should be cleaning these coils using an appliance brush or vacuum – be sure to unplug the fridge first though.

Consult an appliance repair specialist

If you’ve noticed persistent issues with your fridge throughout any spells of hot weather, the best thing to do is contact a trusted appliance repair specialist like Pacifica. Our trained engineers can assess the condition of your appliance, diagnose any underlying problems and carry out the necessary repairs to ensure your fridge is in full working order this summer.

If you’ve noticed that your fridge seems to be struggling in the hot weather, get in touch with the team at Pacifica for help. Our experts operate nationwide and can complete fridge repairs on all major brands – contact us for more information.