Source : Perth Now news
An expert has revealed how putting a banknote in the fridge could save homeowners money.
People are being urged to take the unusual step to figure out if their fridge is working as it should be and avoid rising costs due to a damaged or worn seal.
Guy Chapman, silicone seal specialist at United Silicones, is quoted by the Mirror newspaper as saying: “People tend to focus on the appliance itself and rarely think about the seal running around the edge of the door.
“Yet that small strip of material plays a huge role in keeping cold air where it belongs. As kitchens become warmer during the summer months, a fridge has to work harder to remove heat from inside the cabinet.
“If the seal isn’t doing its job properly, the appliance can end up fighting a constant battle against warm air entering from outside.”
Guy’s suggestion is something “many people call the banknote test”.
He explained: “Close the fridge door on a banknote so part of it remains visible, then gently try to pull it out.
“If the note slides out very easily without any resistance, that can indicate the seal is no longer making good contact with the fridge body at that point.
“It’s worth repeating the test around different areas of the door because wear isn’t always evenly distributed.”
There are several signs that your fridge seal isn’t up to the right standard, including the door not closing as firmly as it has before, condensation around the door area, and food not staying as cold as you’d think.
Other signs include visible cracks or deformation in the seal itself, areas that feel hard or brittle, and the compressor having to run more often.
Guy added: “People are often surprised to learn that such a small component can have such a significant impact on how hard a fridge works throughout the day.”
