Tips for buying household appliances: refrigerator
9/4/24
There are many different refrigerators on the market today, each designed to suit different tastes, needs and lifestyles. Choosing the right model for your home involves taking into account a number of factors that have an impact on bills at the end of the month, efficiency throughout the seasons and durability.
What is important to evaluate when buying a refrigerator?
It's not enough to opt for a beautiful fridge that matches the aesthetics of the kitchen. These characteristics are important, but should not be the determining factor in the final choice.
In addition to appearance, the following points must also be assessed:
Size and capacity
Before looking for fridge models, you need to measure the entrance to the kitchen and the maximum space the appliance will take up, including the door frame.
Once this information is in hand, the next step is to consider the internal capacity of the fridge, which should be appropriate for the number of people living in the house and their lifestyle.
- Small refrigerator (up to 300 liters)
Ideal for singles or couples who don't need a lot of space to store food. They are compact and take up less space in the kitchen, making them a great option for small apartments or for those who cook in smaller quantities.
- Medium refrigerator (300 to 500 liters)
Made for small groups of up to three or four people who need a little more space to store food but still want to maintain a moderate energy intake.
- Large refrigerator (over 500 liters)
Designed for large families or those who like to store more food. They offer more compartments, drawers and adjustable shelves, allowing for more efficient organization.
Types of degelo
The type of ice melter in a refrigerator influences both practicality and efficiency. The three main ones available on the market are:
- Manual defrost
Models with manual defrosting require the user to carry out the defrosting process periodically. Although they are cheaper to buy initially, they require more time and work to keep the appliance in good working order.
- Semi-automatic defrost
Refrigerators with semi-automatic defrosting offer more practicality than manual models. At the touch of a button, the defrosting process starts, without the need to turn the fridge off.
- Frost free defrost
Frost free technology is the most modern and common today. It eliminates the need for manual defrosting and automatically prevents ice build-up.
Energy consumption
Another essential factor to consider when choosing a refrigerator is energy consumption. As refrigerators work 24 hours a day, the impact on the electricity bill can be significant.
That's why it's worth looking at the appliance's efficiency rating as indicated by the Procel Seal, supervised by the National Institute of Metrology, Quality and Technology (INMETRO). Those rated A are the most efficient, meaning they work using as little energy as possible.
It is also worth considering other technologies that help save energy, such as:
- Inverter technology
Unlike traditional compressors, which work in on-off cycles, the inverter compressor works continuously, only adjusting its speed according to cooling needs. It avoids consumption peaks and keeps the internal temperature more stable, resulting in more efficient and long-lasting operation.
- Open door alert
Refrigerators with an open door alert warn when the appliance has been open for too long, helping consumers to identify the problem and consequently helping to reduce energy costs.
Tips for using less energy in your fridge
Even after you've bought the appliance, there are some practical tips to help reduce the energy you spend on your fridge and, consequently, your electricity bill at the end of the month:
Do not dry clothes behind the fridge. As well as overloading the appliance and creating a shock hazard, this increases energy consumption;
Always check the condition of the fridge's sealing rubbers and avoid wasting energy;
Defrost the fridge and clean it frequently;
Set the thermostat appropriately according to the season;
Place the refrigerator in a ventilated area, away from the wall, the sun's rays, stoves and ovens;
When buying, choose equipment with the Procel Seal or an Inmetro A rating;
Take good care of the fridge: don't open the door all the time, don't line the shelves and don't store hot food;
