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When a heatwave hits, I want to escape into my fridge. It’s the only place in my home that feels cool. However, opening the door and enjoying the cool chill is the last thing I should be doing.As the temperature soars outside, our trusty refrigerators work overtime to keep our milk from turning into cottage cheese and our proteins safe to eat.And just as we take extra precautions to keep ourselves cool and hydrated during a heatwave, we need to take extra measures to ensure our fridges and freezers perform efficiently and survive the heat.So, to avoid an appliance disaster during a heatwave, I'm sharing my golden rules for keeping your refrigerator chilled in the height of summer.Let it breathe
(Image credit: Shutterstock)It’s important to give your refrigerator room to breathe so it functions properly. The cooling system absorbs heat from inside the unit and expels it into the surrounding room. If there is insufficient space for heat to be expelled, it remains trapped around the unit, raising the inside temperature and causing the compressor to run continuously to maintain the desired level.To provide sufficient space for air to circulate, allow 5cm of clearance around your appliance for ventilation.What’s more, consider where you place your refrigerator in your kitchen, as it’s best to avoid putting it next to any hotspots, such as an oven or radiator.Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips.Don't put hot food in a refrigerator
