The answer is: 7 is high on fridge. It means that the refrigerator is set to the coldest temperature and will run longer to keep the food cold. The lower the number, the warmer the temperature and the less the fridge will run.
But why does it matter? And how do you know what is the best setting for your fridge? In this article, we will explain everything you need to know about refrigerator temperature settings, including:
Why is it important to keep your fridge at the right temperature?
How do you measure the temperature of your fridge?
What are the factors that affect the temperature of your fridge?
How do you adjust the temperature of your fridge?
What are some tips and tricks to optimize the performance of your fridge?
By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of how your fridge works and how to keep your food fresh and safe. Let’s get started!
Why is it important to keep your fridge at the right temperature?
Keeping your fridge at the right temperature is essential for several reasons:
It prevents food spoilage and waste. Food that is stored at too high or too low temperatures can spoil faster and lose its quality, flavor, and nutrition. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), foodborne bacteria grow rapidly between 40°F and 140°F, which is known as the “danger zone”. To keep your food safe, you should keep your fridge below 40°F and your freezer below 0°F.
It saves energy and money. A fridge that is set too high or too low will have to work harder and use more electricity to maintain the desired temperature. This can increase your energy bills and reduce the lifespan of your fridge. According to Energy Star, a typical household spends about $100 per year on electricity for their fridge. By adjusting the temperature settings, you can save up to 25% on your energy costs.
It protects the environment. A fridge that is set too high or too low can also release more greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide and hydrofluorocarbons, into the atmosphere. These gases contribute to global warming and climate change. By keeping your fridge at the right temperature, you can reduce your carbon footprint and help the environment.
How do you measure the temperature of your fridge?
To measure the temperature of your fridge, you will need a thermometer. You can use a regular food thermometer or a special refrigerator thermometer, which is designed to withstand the cold and damp conditions of the fridge. Here are the steps to measure the temperature of your fridge:
Place the thermometer in a glass of water and put it in the middle of the fridge, away from the walls, door, and vents. This will give you the average temperature of the fridge, as the air temperature can fluctuate depending on where you measure it.
Wait at least 24 hours for the temperature to stabilize. Do not open the fridge door during this time, as this can affect the accuracy of the measurement.
Check the temperature on the thermometer. It should be between 35°F and 38°F. If it is higher or lower, you will need to adjust the temperature settings of your fridge.
What are the factors that affect the temperature of your fridge?
The temperature of your fridge can be affected by several factors, such as:
The ambient temperature. The temperature of the room where your fridge is located can influence the temperature of your fridge. If the room is too hot or too cold, your fridge will have to work harder to keep the food cold. Ideally, you should keep your fridge in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and vents.
The amount and type of food. The more food you have in your fridge, the more cold air it will retain. However, if you overfill your fridge, you can block the airflow and prevent the cold air from circulating evenly. You should also avoid putting hot or warm food in your fridge, as this can raise the temperature and cause condensation. You should let the food cool down before storing it in the fridge.
The frequency and duration of door openings. Every time you open the fridge door, you let the cold air out and the warm air in. This can cause the temperature to rise and the fridge to run longer to cool down. You should minimize the number and length of door openings by planning ahead what you need from the fridge and keeping the door closed as much as possible.
To adjust the temperature of your fridge, you will need to use the temperature control knob or dial, which is usually located inside the fridge, near the top or bottom. The knob or dial may have numbers, letters, or symbols, such as:
Numbers from 1 to 7 or 9, where 1 is the warmest and 7 or 9 is the coldest.
Letters from A to E, where A is the warmest and E is the coldest.
Symbols such as snowflakes, stars, or bars, where more snowflakes, stars, or bars mean colder.
To adjust the temperature of your fridge, you will need to turn the knob or dial to the desired setting. You may need to experiment with different settings until you find the one that works best for your fridge. Here are some tips to help you adjust the temperature of your fridge:
Start with the middle setting and check the temperature after 24 hours. If the temperature is too high or too low, adjust the setting by one notch and check again after another 24 hours. Repeat this process until you reach the optimal temperature.
Avoid making drastic changes to the temperature settings, as this can cause the fridge to malfunction or freeze the food. Make small and gradual adjustments instead.
Check the temperature of your fridge regularly, especially during the summer or winter, when the ambient temperature changes. You may need to adjust the temperature settings accordingly.
What are some tips and tricks to optimize the performance of your fridge?
Besides adjusting the temperature settings, there are some other things you can do to optimize the performance of your fridge, such as:
Clean the coils. The coils are the metal tubes that run along the back or bottom of your fridge. They help to release the heat from the fridge and keep it cool. However, over time, they can get dirty and dusty, which can reduce their efficiency and make your fridge work harder. You should clean the coils at least once a year by unplugging the fridge, removing the cover, and using a vacuum or a brush to remove the dust and dirt.
Check the seals. The seals are the rubber gaskets that line the edges of the fridge door. They help to keep the cold air in and the warm air out. However, over time, they can get worn out, cracked, or loose, which can cause air leaks and increase the energy consumption of your fridge. You should check the seals regularly by closing the door on a dollar bill and pulling it out. If the bill slides out easily, the seal is not tight enough and needs to be replaced.
Organize the food. The way you organize the food in your fridge can also affect its performance. You should follow these guidelines to store your food properly:
Keep the perishable food, such as meat, dairy, and eggs, in the coldest part of the fridge, which is usually the back or the bottom. Avoid putting them in the door, as this is the warmest part of the fridge.
Keep the fruits and vegetables in the crisper drawers, which are designed to maintain the right humidity and temperature for them. Some fridges have separate drawers for fruits and vegetables, with different settings for each. You should follow the instructions on your fridge to use them correctly.
Keep the cooked and ready-to-eat food in the upper shelves, where they are easy to see and access. You should also label and date them to avoid confusion and waste.
Keep the liquids and sauces in the door shelves, where they are less likely to spill and make a mess.
Leave some space between the food items to allow the air to circulate freely and evenly. Do not overfill or underfill your fridge, as this can affect its performance and efficiency.
In conclusion, 7 is high on fridge, meaning that the fridge is set to the coldest temperature. To keep your food fresh and safe, you should keep your fridge between 35°F and 38°F, and your freezer below 0°F. You can measure the temperature of your fridge with a thermometer and adjust the temperature settings with the knob or dial. You can also optimize the performance of your fridge by cleaning the coils, checking the seals, and organizing the food. By following these tips, you can save energy, money, and the environment, while enjoying your food.
