Homeowners must have efficient refrigeration to ensure their food and drinks don’t expire. A failing system can result in spoiled produce and increased utility bills. Setting the right temperature is a critical component of maintaining the fridge’s contents and extending the lifetime of the appliance. Use this brief guide to learn the ideal conditions for your food and how to maintain them.

What’s the Ideal Temperature? 

Many people struggle to find a fridge that’s cold enough to keep food fresh without freezing items on the top shelf. You can avoid this issue by setting the appliance at or below 40 degrees and seeing how the contents fare. 

This temperature should prevent frosty fruits and veggies while keeping meats and leftovers from spoiling. If you want it colder, turn down the dial two degrees at a time to find that sweet spot. When you notice ice flakes, turn the temperature up a few degrees.

How to Maintain the Right Temperature

Add a portable refrigeration thermometer to the middle shelf of the appliance to monitor if the fridge is appropriately adjusting when you change the dial.

Maintain the appliance by assessing that the door seals are intact. Clean them twice a year with a toothbrush to remove built-up dirt and dust that can cause cold air to leak out. If the seals are ripped or detached from the door, call a refrigeration specialist to install new ones to improve efficiency and keep the air inside.

You should occasionally pull the refrigeration system from the wall and dust the metal coils on the back. When these condensers collect debris, the refrigerant can’t transfer cool air into the fridge and push the warmth outside.

Keep your fridge as full as possible. The food and drinks inside the appliance increase thermal mass and absorb the cold temperatures. Stocking the appliance halfway or more can maintain a chilly environment within. Add jugs of water to increase efficiency and take up space if you don’t fill the fridge often.

If you’re concerned about your fridge, contact Ruby Mountain HVAC & Refrigeration in Elko County, NV. The company offers HVAC and refrigeration maintenance, installations, and repairs for top brands like Rheem®, Trane®, and Carrier®. Visit the website or call (775) 738-9375 for information on their specials for appliance repair.