Top tips to keep your fridge freezer working efficiently during the Summer

We rely on our fridge freezers all year to keep our food and drinks cold. But, when the summer heat hits, our appliances can often get a little too warm, putting the food inside at risk. A breakdown is inconvenient and can not only lead to spoiled food but can also end up being very costly.

With fridge freezers most likely to break down in summer due to overheating. Currys kitchen appliance expert Tom Daly has come up with helpful guidance to prevent common faults. Tom’s advice will ensure the efficient operation of your fridge freezer during the warmer months, which in turn will also help you to save money on energy costs, as well as keeping your fridge in tip top condition!

Keep the interior organized & allow space for air circulation

Efficient cooling and airflow is essential for keeping your fridge freezer working. Proper organisation of the various compartments will allow air to slow freely around food items. We need to avoid overloading our fridge freezers as this can obstruct air circulation. Uneven cooling and increased energy consumption is the result of a badly organised fridge freezer. Allow a gap of a few inches on all sides to enable the appliance to expel heat effectively, ensuring optimal cooling performance.

Control temperature settings

During the summer months, ambient temperatures tend to be warmer (hopefully!), and with that in mind, we need to adjust the temperature settings accordingly. This is vital for both energy efficiency and food safety. The recommended temperature range for a fridge is between 3 to 5 degrees Celsius, while the freezer should be set at -18 degrees Celsius.

Replace old seals

The gaskets/door seals, are crucial for maintaining proper insulation and preventing cool air from escaping. We need to make sure that seals are inspected regularly for any signs of wear, damage, or gaps. Replace the seals if you notice any issues in order to maintain energy efficiency and temperature consistency.

Defrost regularly

Regular defrosting (if your fridge freezer is not frost-free) is necessary to prevent excessive ice build-up, which can affect cooling efficiency. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for defrosting and remove any accumulated ice when it reaches around 0.5 cm (1/4 inch) thickness. Always transfer perishable items to a temporary storage location while the fridge freezer is defrosting.

Some questions that Tom often gets asked at this time of the year include:

Are fridges efficient in the summer?

Fridges often have mechanisms in place that allow them to regulate their temperature during hot weather.
Because of these mechanisms, the weather shouldn’t affect a good refrigerator that’s kept inside in the summer. If your fridge is too warm, get it checked for issues from a professional.

How can I keep my fridge cool in hot weather?

If your kitchen gets too warm in the summer, keep a window open to allow for good airflow and avoid stuffiness. Leave enough room for air to circulate around the fridge’s interior when packing your fridge.

If I do need to replace my fridge freezer, what should I consider for my new purchase?

There are a few essential criteria to consider before investing in a new fridge freezer:

Size: Whether you’re a growing family or a sole home occupier, you’ll need to consider how much food you need to stock in your fridge freezer.
Do you need – and can you fit – a larger American-style fridge-freezer into your kitchen? Or will a standard tall fridge-freezer (between 50 and 70cm wide) accommodate your weekly shop?
Another key point of difference is the ratio of fridge space to freezer space in the appliance. You should consider how much food your household freezes, then pick an option to suit. For example, want to store mainly fresh ingredients? Choose a model with a larger fridge to freezer ratio (70/30 or 60/40 split)

Consider going frost free:

Opting for a frost-free modern alternative has become more and more popular – it gives you more space and means you avoid the dreaded manual defrost chore. These appliances can be slightly more expensive to buy upfront, but that’s offset by the money you’ll save on energy bills.

Energy rating matters:

Fridge-freezers are one of most energy-hungry appliances in the home, so make sure to consider the energy rating before purchasing. The current energy rating scheme ranges from A to G, with the most efficient fridge freezer being rated A with American Fridge Freezers C.