Summer Refrigerator Tips for Boston Area Homes

Summer in Greater Boston brings heat and humidity that challenge your refrigerator's cooling capacity. When outside temperatures climb into the 90s, your refrigerator works significantly harder to maintain internal temperatures. Here is how to help it cope.

Clean the condenser coils before summer arrives. This cannot be overstated. Dust-covered coils cannot dissipate heat effectively, and when outside temperatures are high, this becomes critical. The compressor runs longer and hotter, accelerating wear.

Check door seals for gaps. In winter, a slightly compromised seal might go unnoticed. In summer, that same seal allows humid air to enter, forcing the compressor to run constantly. The paper test: close the door on a piece of paper. If it pulls out easily, replace the seal.

Maintain proper clearance around the refrigerator. Built-in units are designed with specific ventilation requirements. Ensure nothing is blocking airflow. For freestanding units, keep at least an inch of clearance on all sides.

Keep the refrigerator full but not overcrowded. A well-stocked refrigerator maintains temperature better than an empty one because the food mass acts as thermal storage. However, overpacking restricts airflow and creates warm spots.

Minimize door openings during heat waves. Every time the door opens, cool air falls out and warm, humid air rushes in. The compressor must run to remove this heat and the moisture that enters. Consider removing items for a meal all at once rather than making multiple trips.

Set temperatures appropriately. The urge to crank everything colder when it is hot outside is natural but counterproductive. Refrigerators are designed to maintain 37-38 degrees regardless of ambient temperature. Lowering the setting makes the compressor run more without improving preservation.

If you notice the refrigerator running constantly or struggling to maintain temperature during a heat wave, give the compressor a break. Avoid large quantities of warm food that need cooling. If problems persist after temperatures moderate, schedule a service call.