What to Know About Purchasing a Mini-Fridge for a Bedroom
If you’re thinking of putting a mini-fridge in your bedroom, you probably are not all that concerned about how much electricity a mini-fridge uses or how much it will set you back to purchase one. They are about convenience more than anything—it’s definitely easier to reach for a midnight snack if you have your fridge in your room, and a mini-fridge uses a considerable amount of energy to run.
Though it’s always nice to have treats on hand, safety should be your priority at home. Refrigerators are electronic appliances; they are manufactured with several layers of quality control, yes, but they still present health hazards. Keep reading to learn what precautions you should take when purchasing a mini-fridge for your room.
Reduce the Risk of Fire
Mini-fridges have been known to catch fire. Though it is not a regular occurrence, you must still protect yourself from this by reducing risk factors in your bedroom. Plug your refrigerator in an electrical outlet instead of using extension cords or adaptors. Prolonged use of cords or adaptors can lead to overheating and electrical fires. This is especially true for overloaded power strips. Use the fridge’s grounding prong as well. Do not try to cut or alter the plug.
Make sure there is good air circulation around coils and vents. Prevent dust buildup at the back of your unit and vacuum it regularly. Dust can clog fans and vents, restricting airflow and making your refrigerator work harder. Do not stock papers near your mini-fridge as well; this creates a fire hazard. If possible, leave several square inches of space around all sides of your unit.
Buy new rather than second-hand
A new fridge means you’re getting an appliance that operates to the standard of the manufacturer. Though buying second-hand costs less upfront, you might have maintenance issues down the line. A new fridge will have an intact power cord and grounding prong, and will not have modifications that might have compromised its safety.
Furthermore, new fridges have specification sheets which list what type of refrigerant your unit needs. Buying new will let you register with the manufacturer, which is important for when you need to have your unit replaced due to a factory defect. Used fridges have no such guarantees, and you will be left to figure out things like refrigerant replacement or mechanical repairs.
Get a stand for your fridge
Your mini-fridge should sit on a solid base so that it doesn’t fall on people or pets. Since it is smaller than a regular-sized unit, a mini-fridge is not likely to inflict lethal or long-lasting injuries. However, you should get a stand for it so you avoid accidents altogether. If you’re putting your mini-fridge on a carpeted floor, you would definitely need a stand. The softness of the surface might not provide enough resistance.
Your stand must be strong enough to support both the weight of the fridge and its contents. Measure your fridge properly; you don’t want to use a stand that lets a portion of the unit hang over one side. This will make it prone to tipping over.
Practice food safety
Beyond mechanical safety, you should also be mindful of food safety. Adjust your fridge’s settings according to the temperature outside. Warmer temperatures can hasten bacterial growth. This can lead to foodborne infections. You should also clean spills immediately; leaving splotches of liquid will stain your fridge and leave a lingering odor.
Conclusion
Be a responsible consumer when getting a mini-fridge for your home. Carefully go over the specifications of your unit and secure it when you get back to your house.
For articles on mini-fridge electricity costs and other reviews of refrigerators, visit us at Pixel Fridge today.