Households across the UK are being urged to use a piece of A4 paper in their fridge this week as temperatures are forecast to hit 35°C on Thursday, according to white goods manufacturer Beko. The simple test can diagnose a common problem that may lead to increased energy bills and spoiled food.
The A4 paper test for fridge door seals
A Beko spokesman explained that wear and tear on the door seal is a frequent issue. A worn-out seal prevents the refrigerator door from closing properly, forcing the cooling system to work harder. This can increase energy consumption and cause damage to the fridge and its temperature settings.
Salah Sun, Head of Product Management at Beko UK, said: “To check if your fridge door is functioning correctly, use a piece of paper. You can buy paper for as little as 1p or use any paper you have at home. Place the paper against the door seal and close the door. When you try to pull the paper out, you should feel some resistance. If the paper slides out easily, your door seal may need replacing.”
Impact of hot weather on fridges
The Met Office has confirmed that the third heatwave of the year will officially begin this week, with temperatures climbing to between 34 and 35°C by the end of the week. Warm air entering a fridge with a faulty seal can overwhelm the cooling system, especially during hot summer days, causing food to go off more quickly.
Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster Steven Keates said: “Parts of the UK are entering heatwave conditions: the third heatwave in the UK so far this year. However, unlike the May and June heatwaves, we are not expecting this heatwave to be record-breaking. Temperatures this week are not expected to reach the highs we witnessed last month, though parts of southern England in particular are likely to see several days in the low 30s Celsius, and a few places could reach 34-35°C later this week.”
Night-time temperatures and precautions
Keates added that night-time temperatures will not be as high as in June, though larger urban areas may remain in the high teens Celsius overnight. There is a chance that a tropical night, where temperatures do not fall below 20°C, may be recorded in a few places. Much of England and Wales will be hot, and the heat will extend to parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland, where peak temperatures are more likely to be in the upper 20s Celsius. With high UV and high temperatures, people should take the usual precautions with the heat and the sun.
