How to keep your fridge running through a Durban summer

Every year, as the temperature climbs in November and December, our phones get busier. Fridges that have been fine all winter start to struggle, freezers lose their edge and display coolers in shops start to sweat. It is not a coincidence. Summer is the hardest season for refrigeration, and Durban's heat and humidity make it harder still. The good news is that a few habits prevent most of the problems.

Why summer is harder on fridges

• The condenser has to push heat into warmer air, so the compressor runs longer and at higher pressure.
• Humid air brings more moisture in each time the door opens, which means more frost and more load on the defrost system.
• More people, more drinks, more food and more door openings all raise the load.
• Thunderstorms, power surges and outages are most common in summer.
• Hot kitchens, garages and outbuildings can exceed what a domestic fridge is designed to handle.

Ten habits that help

1. Give it space

Leave a gap of several centimetres behind and beside the fridge for airflow, and never box it in with cabinets without ventilation. Heat that cannot escape forces the compressor to work harder.

2. Clean the condenser coil

Dust and pet hair on the coil act like a blanket. Vacuum it every three to six months, and more often if you have pets. It is the single most effective maintenance job you can do yourself.

3. Keep it away from heat

Do not place a fridge next to an oven, a dishwasher exhaust or in direct sun. Garage fridges in a Durban summer are working in conditions that can exceed their rating, so check the climate class on the data plate.

4. Do not overload the door

Every time the door opens, warm, humid air gets in. Decide what you want before you open it, and close it promptly. Do not stand with the door open while you think.

5. Check the door seals

A worn gasket leaks cold air all day long. Test it with a sheet of paper, clean the seal with warm soapy water and replace it if it is cracked or soft.

6. Set the right temperature

Around 3 to 5 degrees Celsius for the fridge and minus 18 for the freezer is right. Setting it colder than needed wastes power and can freeze food. Check with a thermometer instead of trusting the dial.

7. Let hot food cool first

Putting a hot pot straight into the fridge raises the temperature for everything else. Let it cool a little, cover it and then refrigerate it promptly.

8. Protect against surges

Summer storms bring spikes and outages. A surge protector with a time delay, designed for fridges, protects the compressor and electronics. Unplug the fridge during a nearby lightning storm if you can.

9. Prepare for power cuts

Keep frozen water bottles in the freezer, a cooler box ready and a thermometer in the fridge. Do not open the doors during an outage. Our load shedding guide covers this in more detail.

10. Listen and look

Notice new noises, ice build-up, water on the floor and food spoiling faster. These are early warnings, and small repairs in November are much cheaper than emergency calls on 24 December.

For shops and restaurants

• Schedule a service before the festive season. Clean condenser coils and check refrigerant levels, defrost systems and door seals.
• Check that condensing units have shade and airflow, not stacked boxes and kitchen grease.
• Do not overstock display coolers. Air has to circulate.
• Train staff to close doors and keep records of temperatures.
• Have your technician's number ready for peak days.

If your fridge or cooler is struggling already, or you want a service before the busy season, call us on 083 538 5106. We service homes and businesses across Durban, Umhlanga, Kloof, Hillcrest and the surrounding area.