Buzz
Buying the right refrigerator isn't easy. Here are some key considerations after purchasing one.
1. Smart Ways to Choose an Economical Refrigerator
Opting for an efficient refrigerator that meets your needs and saves money is no simple matter. Based on insights from refrigeration experts, here are some points to consider after buying a refrigerator.
1. Choosing the Refrigerator Type
There are two types available: compression refrigerators and absorption refrigerators. Typically, compression refrigerators are preferred for their lower energy consumption, higher cooling temperatures, good cooling performance, and longer lifespan. Absorption refrigerators can utilize electric heating bars, cooling by supplying heat to a body using coal and natural gas for cooling. These refrigerators are used in places with no electricity or limited electricity and where coal is abundant and inexpensive.
2. Choosing the Capacity
Based on the current living standards in households, typically each person needs about 20 to 25 liters of capacity, plus an additional 25 liters. For example, a family of 4 should buy a refrigerator with a capacity of 4 x 25 + 25 = 100 + 25 = 125 liters, meaning a refrigerator with a capacity of about 125 to 150 liters is suitable. Additionally, climate considerations should be taken into account; in the South, it's advisable to buy a slightly larger refrigerator, while in the North, a smaller one is preferable.
3. Inspecting the Exterior
The refrigerator's surface should be smooth and glossy, with a uniform and sturdy paint layer. The inner shell of the refrigerator typically uses plastic materials, Polyethylene should also be smooth and sturdy without any cracks. The brackets must be perfect without deformation.
4. Interior Tightness
If the refrigerator is not tight, it will have undesirable consequences; cold air escapes, causing the refrigerator to lose heat and reduce cooling efficiency. When encountering moisture in humid seasons, it will freeze into dew particles. The method to check the tightness of the refrigerator can be observed visually; if the eyes can easily detect it, the gap is severe. If the eyes can't see it clearly, take a relatively stiff piece of paper and place it in different corners, close the refrigerator door and pull out the paper to see if it's tightly gripped. The tighter the grip, the tighter the door. In addition to checking tightness, also check the door hinge rotation; when opening the door, a pulling force from 1 to 7kg is appropriate.
5. Selecting the Cooling Level
Refrigerators are classified into high or low grades, usually based on the freezing level of the freezer compartment, which is evaluated and marked by *, the more stars, the higher the cooling level.
The standards set by the Chinese Light Industry Ministry stipulate: If the sign is 1 star *, it means the temperature is not higher than -6°C, and frozen food can be stored for about 1 week. If the sign is 2 stars **, the freezing temperature is not higher than -15°C, and frozen food can be stored for 1 month. If the sign is 3 stars ***, it means freezing at a temperature not higher than -18°C, and food can be preserved for 3 months.
Typically, household refrigerators use 2 to 3-star refrigerators, which are suitable. In practice, it is shown that the colder the refrigerator, the better the food preservation, but it needs to be set at the appropriate temperature. Moreover, the more stars, the higher the refrigerator price and the greater the electricity consumption.
6. Choosing the Defrost System
There is usually stagnant water vapor in the air and emitted from food in the refrigerator. That vapor meets cold and condenses into frost in the refrigerator, which is a normal phenomenon. The colder the refrigerator, the higher the humidity, and the thicker the frost layer.
A thick frost layer has poor heat conduction, causing the cooling system to be unable to absorb heat from food and air in the refrigerator, thus reducing the refrigerator's cooling efficiency and increasing electricity consumption. Therefore, when the frost layer is 4-6mm thick, it needs to be defrosted. The following methods can be used for defrosting:
- Manual defrosting
- Semi-automatic defrosting
- Automatic defrosting
7. Checking the Compressor and Cooling System Features
- First, ensure the refrigerator is standing perfectly level. Plug in the refrigerator to operate it; if the refrigerator runs quietly with a noise level below 45 decibels, it's good. At the same time, lightly touch the top of the refrigerator with your hand to feel if there is slight vibration. If you observe visible shaking, it indicates poor refrigerator quality.
- Checking Cooling Functionality: In a room with a temperature of 30°C, place the refrigerator in an empty state, close the refrigerator door, let it run for 30 minutes, then open the door and touch the evaporator surface with your hand. If you feel cold, sticky, and there's a thin layer of frost on top, the cooling system is functioning properly.
8. Electricity Consumption
Refrigerators consume a relatively large amount of electricity in households, so their electricity consumption needs to be considered when purchasing and using them. Pay attention to the following points:
- Refrigerators with electrically driven compression type consume the least electricity.
- Direct cooling (frosting) consumes much less electricity than indirect cooling (non-frosting).
- Among the same type and specifications, refrigerators with smaller compressor capacities consume less electricity.
- The tighter the refrigerator door, the less electricity it consumes.
