Owning a home comes with unexpected expenses, including appliance replacements. When you have to replace your refrigerator, you want to ensure that your food doesn’t spoil. So, how long does it take for a new refrigerator to get cold? The answer depends on the style of the refrigerator.
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What Are the Differences?
The cooling time of a refrigerator depends on its type and model. Let’s take a look at the estimated cooling times for different types of refrigerators:
- Mini Fridge – usually takes up to 4 hours to cool down, depending on the brand.
- Top-freezer fridge – typically takes between 4 to 24 hours to reach the desired coldness.
- French door fridge – usually takes between 2 to 24 hours.
- Side-by-side fridge – typically takes between 2 to 24 hours.
- Bottom freezer fridge – usually takes between 2 to 24 hours.
Remember, each brand of refrigerator has its own cool-down time.
A mini fridge will cool faster based on its size.
What Factors Affect Cooling Time?
Several factors contribute to the cooling time of a refrigerator. Understanding these factors will help you cool your refrigerator faster. Consider the following:
- Size of the fridge – Larger fridges take longer to cool. Most large refrigerators require up to 24 hours to cool down properly.
- Storage location – If you place the fridge in your garage, it will take longer to cool. Also, try to keep your home’s AC on a cooler temperature while installing the new fridge in the kitchen.
- Room temperature – If you store the refrigerator in an outdoor kitchen, garage, or any location not cooled by your home’s AC unit, it will likely run hotter. Consider using fans or insulation with vents to keep the area cooler. Ideally, the room temperature should be colder than usual on a warm day.
- Age of the fridge – Older fridges take longer to cool. Keep an eye out for blocked air vents, damaged door seals, a failing condenser fan, or a compressor in need of replacement.
- Keep the fridge full – A refrigerator that is full runs more efficiently. Fill it with food to speed up the cooling process. Less free air space means less opportunity for warm air to circulate.
- Limit door openings – Constantly opening the fridge door lets cold air escape, decreasing the overall cooling efficiency.
Always keep the refrigerator doors closed to keep the cool air in.
How Can You Speed Up the Cooling Process?
Believe it or not, there are a few tricks to cool your refrigerator faster. Consider the following possibilities:
- Fridge location – Keep the fridge away from the wall. The fridge’s heat needs somewhere to go, so if it’s touching the wall, it won’t cool efficiently.
- Ice placement – Place some ice in the freezer. The ice will help generate colder temperatures, cooling the fridge faster.
- Keep it shut – Make sure to keep the fridge doors closed while cooling it down. Opening the doors frequently allows cold air to escape.
- Cool the kitchen – Lower your AC temperature to keep the kitchen cooler on hot days. This will expedite the cooling process, especially when installing a new fridge in high humidity and warm weather.
- Chill the food – Keep everything in the fridge cold. Putting warm food into an empty fridge with dry air slows down the cooling process. Allow the refrigerator to focus solely on cooling itself and not the food.
Other Recommended Maintenance
To ensure your refrigerator cools quickly, make sure you have the correct circuit power for the fridge. If you’re uncertain, consult a professional to determine if you need a dedicated circuit for your new fridge. Insufficient power can delay the cooling process.
Additionally, if you notice unusual noises coming from your refrigerator, don’t rush to replace the compressor or the entire unit. Take the time to understand why your refrigerator is making noise. It might be a simple fix rather than a costly replacement.
Be patient when cooling your new fridge.
When to Seek Professional Help
If you’re unsure about your refrigerator’s slow cooling time, it’s best to contact a professionally licensed handyman. They can ensure that the refrigerator compressor is working properly and that the newly installed refrigerator is correctly set up. Reach out to your local home inspection company for assistance in finding a reputable handyman.
In Conclusion
When it comes to home maintenance, rely on professionally licensed general contractors or handymen. Be sure to obtain multiple quotes before worrying about refrigerator installation or servicing. For a thorough inspection of your appliances and electrical setup in the Lacey, WA, and surrounding areas, contact Boggs Inspection Services.
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