Ice in the fridge with the summer heat? Here’s what to check before it’s late

With the summer heat the fridge can behave abnormally: to note ice in the fridge might seem normal, but it is often an alarm bell that should not be underestimated.

During the hottest periods, even small gestures can make great differences. Open the door several times a day, insert bottles just removed from the sun or lower the temperature too much thinking of “cooling better” … they are common habits, but often counterproductive. The refrigerator, in the summer, already works at the maximum of its skills. Any action that relieves its internal balance can worsen its performance. Not everyone knows, for example, that even just a hot bottle can raise the internal temperature of several degrees.

These actions, albeit innocue apparently, put the refrigerator engine under stress, alter the internal humidity and favor the formation of ice in the colder areas. A simple check control, a checking of the set temperature or rapid cleaning of the air intakes can really make a difference. Often a few minutes are enough to avoid waste of energy and more serious problems.

Because the ice is formed in the fridge when it is hot outside

It is interesting to note that the excessive presence of ice in the refrigerator is often linked to a contrast between the internal and external temperatures. In summer, there is a tendency to set the thermostat on very low levels, thinking of improving food conservation. But if internal ventilation is not efficient, there is a risk of the opposite effect: humidity condenses and ice. Another common reason is the frequent opening of the counter. Every time it opens, hot and humid air enters, which then turns into condensation. Over time, this condensation frozen, especially in the rear areas of the fridge. It is believed that it is a minor problem, but if ignored it can lead to damage to the thermostat or even the engine.

In addition, the bran of the door. If it does not adhere well, the hot air penetrates continuously and forces the compressor to work more. This generates an accumulation of ice and energy waste. It is always useful to pass a hand along the garnish: if you feel a breath of air or there are soft points, it could be time to replace it.

Signals not to be underestimated and checks to be done immediately

You don’t have to wait for the fridge to stop working. There are precise signals that indicate that something is wrong and that the ice in the fridge It is only the symptom of a wider problem. Sometimes an unusual noise or an aomalous smell is enough to make an alarm bell sound. Other clues may be the appearance of excessive humidity or food that freeze irregularly.

Here are some checks to do on the fly:

• Check the internal temperature: if it goes down under 2 ° C, you risk the formation of ice.
• Check the status of the thermostat: sometimes just adjust the knob or reset the digital panel.
• Clean the internal air intakes: the accumulation of dust or residues can prevent correct circulation.
• Crumble regularly: Even the no-French models sometimes accumulate excess ice.
• Check the foods positioned near the rear wall: If they are wet or frozen, it means that the temperature is too low or distributed badly.

It is often thought that the refrigerator is a closed and autonomous system, but the truth is that even a small daily mistake can cause enormous inconvenience. The summer heat amplifies any weakness of the system, therefore quick control can avoid expensive technical interventions or the waste of food.

How to prevent ice formation in the refrigerator in the summer

Preventing is always better than having to run for cover. And even if it may seem obvious, some simple gestures can make the difference in maintaining the refrigerator without iceeven in the most torrid days.

Avoid keeping the door open for too long is a first step: every more second it allows the hot air to enter. It is also advisable not to not excessively fill the shelves, leaving room for cold air to circulate. Set the temperature at about 4 ° C is a good compromise between efficiency and savings.

Better to avoid storing still hot foods: their heat contributes to creating condensation, which then turns into ice. The gaskets must also be checked and cleaned regularly: a simple cloth with bicarbonate maintains elasticity and seal.

There are those who think it is normal to find some ice in the summer fridge. But the truth is that it shouldn’t happen. Or at least not in a visible or excessive way. So if even a thin patina appears, it is better to act immediately. Not only to avoid waste, but to stretch the life of the appliance and save energy.

And at this point it is natural to ask: how long have you not been a complete check to the fridge? A thorough cleaning, a verification of the components, perhaps even just a small defrosting.

It takes just a few minutes to avoid worse troubles in the hottest months.

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