Look for a refrigerator with automatic moisture control. Models with this feature have been engineered to prevent moisture accumulation on the cabinet exterior without the addition of a heater. This is not the same thing as an “anti-sweat” heater. Models with an anti-sweat heater will consume 5% to 10% more energy than models without this feature.
When the weather gets cold, take advantage of the situation. Free up space in your refrigerator by storing your canned goods and sodas in an unheated garage or outside a backdoor.
Don’t keep your refrigerator or freezer too cold. Recommended temperatures are 37° to 40°F for the fresh food compartment of the refrigerator and 5°F for the freezer section. If you have a separate freezer for long-term storage, it should be kept at 0°F.
If a freezer or refrigerator is prone to condinsation on the outside, protect the outer surface by rubbing it with silicone polish applied with a soft cloth.
To check refrigerator temperature, place an appliance thermometer in a glass of water in the center of the refrigerator. Read it after 24 hours. To check the freezer temperature, place a thermometer between frozen packages. Read it after 24 hours.
After defrosting a freezer, wipe the interior with glycerin. Next time you defrost it, the ice will be easier to remove, eliminating he need for scraping.
Regularly defrost manual-defrost refrigerators and freezers; frost buildup increases the amount of energy needed to keep the motor running. Don’t allow frost to build up more than one-quarter of an inch.
Cover a scratch on a refrigerator or freezer door with enamel paint. First, clean with detergent and wipe dry with a clean cloth. Test the color on an unseen area, and retouch with a fine brush.
Make sure your refrigerator door seals are airtight. Test them by closing the door over a piece of paper or a dollar bill so it is half in and half out of the refrigerator. If you can pull the paper or bill out easily, the latch may need adjustment or the seal may need replacing.
To avoid rasing the temperature of a freezer, freeze no more than one-tenth of the appliance’s capacity of food at one time. Also, be sure to cool foods brefore storing in the freezer. To cool hot food quickly, sit the base of the container in a sink half-filled with cold water.
