When you open the door of your refrigerator, the first thing you see is the temperature display. But, is the temperature inside your fridge cold enough? Knowing the correct temperature for your refrigerator is key to keeping food fresh and safe to eat. Heres how to tell if your fridge is cold enough.
Check the Temperature
Most refrigerators should aim for a temperature between 35 and 38 degrees Fahrenheit. To check the temperature in your fridge, the U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends using a refrigerator thermometer. Place the thermometer inside the refrigerator, away from the walls and the door. Leave it in the fridge for at least 8 hours, then check the temperature. If the temperature is higher than 38 degrees, you need to adjust the temperature setting on your refrigerator to make it cooler.
Check Your Food
Your food can also be a good indicator of whether your refrigerator is cold enough. If you notice ice cream and other frozen foods that are becoming soft and melting, it could be a sign that your refrigerator isnt cold enough. Other foods, such as leftovers and raw meats, can spoil quickly if they arent stored in a cold enough environment.
Check the Door
If the door of your refrigerator is warm, it could be a sign that the refrigerator isnt cold enough. The door should feel cool to the touch. If its warm, it could be a sign that the door isnt closing properly, or that the gasket that seals the door isnt working properly.
Check the Condenser Coils
The condenser coils at the back of your refrigerator are responsible for keeping the refrigerator cool. If the condenser coils are covered in dust, it means they are not able to do their job properly. Use a brush or vacuum to clean the coils, and make sure they are free of dust and debris.
Check the Air Vents
The air vents in your refrigerator are responsible for circulating cold air throughout the refrigerator. If the air vents are blocked by food or other items, it could prevent the cold air from circulating properly, which could make the refrigerator not cold enough. Make sure the air vents are not blocked by anything.
Check the Temperature Settings
If youve checked all of the above and found no issues, it could be a sign that the temperature settings on your refrigerator need to be adjusted. If the temperature setting is too high, the refrigerator wont be cold enough. Make sure the temperature settings are set correctly for your refrigerator.
By taking the time to check the temperature and other factors, you can make sure your refrigerator is cold enough. Keeping your refrigerator at the right temperature is key to keeping food fresh and safe to eat.