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What Temperature Should Your Refrigerator Be?
While others may say the heart of the home is the kitchen (and they’re not wrong), we’re going to go a little further and say the true heart of the home is the refrigerator. Not only is it the starting place for every delicious, homemade meal, it’s also one of the most frequently used appliances in your home.
Whether it’s your own late-night snack searches or a toddler’s first independent applesauce grab, the refrigerator is the place where all good things begin. This is why at Simplicity Protection, we believe it’s so important to have trusted, reliable home warranty coverage for your most important appliance, and to also understand what temperature your refrigerator needs to be in order to prevent unexpected and expensive breakdowns from occurring.
In this blog, the experts at Simplicity Protection are here to give you a complete look at refrigerator temperatures: the ideal refrigerator temperature range, factors that affect temperature change, and the best home warranty tips and resources for protecting your home.
The Ideal Refrigerator Temperature Range
If you’re wondering what the optimal fridge temperature should be, we’ve got the answer for you.
Knowing the ideal refrigerator temperature range is an incredibly important part of owning and maintaining your fridge. With the average refrigerator costing¹ anywhere between $500 to $12,000 depending on brand name, size, and commercial or residential use, understanding the key details for ensuring its longevity is vital.
Ideally, the FDA² says keeping your refrigerator temperature between 37 degrees and 40 degrees Fahrenheit is enough to keep your food fresh, while also avoiding the production of ice crystals in your fridge.
Factors that Affect a Refrigerator’s Temperature
We understand that unexpected breakdowns can occur, however, there are certain things you can do regularly to ensure that your refrigerator is working at its best. Just like any home appliance, refrigerators are controlled and operated by a series of mechanisms that require consistent maintenance in order to keep it functioning properly.
While the most common cause of shifting refrigerator temperatures is external heat caused by hot weather, there are a few other factorsᶟ that can cause damage or shifts in your fridge’s temperature.
Cleaning Negligence
Staying consistent with your cleaning routine will aid in keeping your refrigerator free from common issues like dust build-up, old food and bacteria growth, cobwebs, and more. Bi-annual checks on the kitchen cavity, and the back of the fridge will prevent any clogs from occurring, affecting the overall temperature of the fridge.
Keeping the Refrigerator Door Open
It’s important to be mindful and keep your fridge doors closed as much as you can. Keeping the doors open for long periods of time will only aid in raising your refrigerator’s overall temperature and making the fridge work that much harder to stay cool.
Ventilation
Normally, a refrigerator isn’t an appliance you would think requires ventilation, but because of the fan mechanisms that keep the fridge cool, ventilation is an incredibly important factor when prolonging the life of your appliance. Simply put, make sure that your fridge isn’t backed up against a wall or in a tight kitchen area.
Product Overload
Finally, when trying to keep your fridge a consistent, cool temperature, it’s important not to overload it with food, drinks, condiments, etc. When you pack too many things into your fridge, air circulation is comprised and can’t reach all the nooks and crannies that are required to keep everything chilled and fresh.
Contact Simplicity Protection Today
Get the home warranty protection you deserve today with Simplicity Protection’s trusted selection of home warranty coverage plans, designed to give you the coverage you’re looking for.
Our three comprehensive plans automatically come with hassle-free claims and our award-winning service, which means you can spend less time worrying about your home and more time enjoying your life.
For more information about our refrigerator coverage options or to speak to one of our knowledgeable representatives, please contact us today!
Choose a home warranty plan today and get started!
