Should I turn my fridge up in summer?

Author: Ms. Edwina Torphy PhD  |  Last update: Thursday, September 4, 2025

Therefore, during the summer months, it is advisable to lower your refrigerator temperature. This is due to the general warmer temperatures and an increased consumption of cold foods to combat the heat ourselves, but which drain the refrigerating capacity of your appliance.

What temperature should a refrigerator be set at in the summer?

Maintain the fridge temperature around 3°C (37.4°F) year-round. Set the freezer temperature around -19°C (-2.2°F) or -18°C (-0.4°F), based on the model. Use power freeze or power cool functions only for large quantities of fresh food. Turn on power functions 2 hours before adding food and off 5 hours after.

Can hot weather affect your fridge?

During the summer, the challenge for refrigerators is twofold: maintaining a stable and cool fridge air space while combating the influx of warm air. As ambient temperatures increase, this struggle intensifies, impacting refrigerator temperatures.

How to keep a fridge cool in hot weather?

5 Top Tips to Keep Your Refrigerator Cool During Summer
  1. Check the Refrigerator Seal. Every refrigerator door has a seal or gasket that is designed to make the door airtight. ...
  2. Check the Coils for Dust. ...
  3. Keep the Fridge Well Stocked. ...
  4. Set the Correct Temperature. ...
  5. Change the Water Filter.

What is the best temperature setting for a refrigerator?

Refrigerators should be set to maintain a temperature of 40 °F (4.4 °C) or below. For safety, it is important to verify the temperature of the refrigerator. An appliance thermometer can be kept in the refrigerator to monitor the temperature.

Refrigerator temperature knob setting

What is the best setting for a refrigerator in hot weather?

You should keep your fridge temperature set at 3°C/37.4F and your freezer set at -19°C/-2.2F (or -18°C/-0.4F, depending on your model) all year-round.

Is 33 too cold for a refrigerator?

The ideal refrigerator temperature is about 37°F (3°C). However, a range of 33–40°F (0–4°C) is generally accepted as safe for most purposes.

Why is my fridge not cold in the summer?

There are several causes for a refrigerator that doesn't cool, including dirty condenser coils, poor ventilation, improper installation, faulty or dirty gasket seals, unorganized food storage, appliance location and malfunctioning internal parts.

What room temperature is too hot for a refrigerator?

We do not recommend installing a refrigerator where the temperature will exceed 110°F. There is a possibility that operating the refrigerator in extremely high temperature could cause the oil to overheat and break down, thus damaging the compressor or sealed system.

How can I improve the cooling in my refrigerator?

If your refrigerator isn't cooling, try these troubleshooting steps:
  1. Check to see if it has been installed in the correct location.
  2. Unblock air vents.
  3. Reorganize your food and other contents inside.
  4. Check to see if gasket seals are broken or damaged.
  5. Relevel the refrigerator.
  6. Clean condenser coils.

How do I know if my fridge is too hot?

If the fridge is too warm, it could mean that the motor fan is broken and not functioning properly. You can replace a motor fan — but it can be pricey.

Why can't you put food in the fridge when it's hot?

As for chilling “large” quantities of food? It's true that you wouldn't want to stick a full pot of piping hot chicken stock into the fridge, as it will take a long time to cool down; during that time, it can stay in the danger zone long enough that bacteria will multiply.

How do you cool your refrigerator?

8 Ways to Keep Your Refrigerator Cool This Summer
  1. Clean the Condenser Coils. ...
  2. Keep Food Covered. ...
  3. Be Mindful of Door & Storage Bins. ...
  4. Let Food & Leftovers Cool Off. ...
  5. Keep Your Fridge Well-Stocked. ...
  6. Keep the Door Closed. ...
  7. Check the Refrigerator Seal. ...
  8. Maintain an Optimal Temperature Setting.

Do fridges overheat in hot weather?

Temperature Control

The warm weather can do a lot more than cause a little build-up of water within your fridge. Many fridges struggle with this sudden increase in the temperature leading to the internal temperature rising to a dangerous level.

What is the temperature danger zone?

The "Danger Zone" (40 °F-140 °F)

This range of temperatures is often called the "Danger Zone." That's why the Meat and Poultry Hotline advises consumers to never leave food out of refrigeration over 2 hours. If the temperature is above 90 °F, food should not be left out more than 1 hour.

What temperature should a fridge be in hot weather?

Adjust the temperature

To compensate for the hot weather, you might want to set your fridge to a slightly lower temperature than usual – although remember to keep it within 2°C and 5°C for the best results.

What is the unsafe temperature for a refrigerator?

Chilling foods to proper temperatures is one of the best ways to slow the growth of these bacteria. To ensure that your refrigerator is doing its job, it's important to keep its temperature at 40 °F or below; the freezer should be at 0 °F.

What is the best setting for your fridge?

The ideal fridge temperature is between 37°F (3°C) and 40°F (5°C). And your freezer temperature should be at 0°F (-18°C).

Should you lower fridge temperature in summer?

Therefore, during the summer months, it is advisable to lower your refrigerator temperature. This is due to the general warmer temperatures and an increased consumption of cold foods to combat the heat ourselves, but which drain the refrigerating capacity of your appliance.

How do I keep my fridge cool in hot weather?

Door seals are one thing, but proper temperature settings are key to keeping your food fresh and your fridge efficient during summer. So it's best to make sure the internal temps are working like they need to! Check the Thermostat: Ensure the fridge thermostat is set between 35°F and 38°F for optimal cooling.

Will unplugging a fridge reset it?

Reset your refrigerator

Follow the instructions below depending on your model and what you would like to reset: Reset your refrigerator: First, unplug it (or turn off the power at the circuit breaker), and then wait about five minutes for the electrical charge to clear out of it. Then, power it back on again.

Is 34 degrees OK for a refrigerator?

The Department of Agriculture states bacteria multiply quickly in the "Danger Zone," which is temperatures beginning at 40°F (4.5°C). It's best to set your temperature gauge a few degrees below that. Most experts recommend that the ideal temperature setting for a refrigerator is between 35-38°F (1.6-3.3°C).

How to tell if the fridge is cold enough?

When working properly, the refrigerator temperature should be 40° F (4.4 °C) or below; the freezer, 0° F (-17.8 °C) or lower. After the power comes back on, if you're not sure a particular food is cold enough, take its temperature with a food thermometer.

Is the salad drawer the coldest part of the fridge?

Typically, the back and bottom of the fridge is the coldest part. This is because cold air sinks down, and the back of the fridge is farthest from the door. It's different for fridges with ice-making compartments at the top, which make the top colder.

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