Households across the UK are being urged to place a sheet of A4 paper in their fridge before Friday to diagnose a common problem that could lead to food spoilage and higher energy bills. As summer temperatures finally return, with the Met Office forecasting highs of 30C on Friday, many Brits may be caught off guard by the impact of hotter conditions on their home appliances.
Why the Paper Test Matters
White goods manufacturer Beko warns that a worn-out fridge door seal can prevent the door from closing properly, forcing the cooling system to work harder. This not only increases energy consumption but can also cause food to go off more quickly in warm weather. The simple paper test can identify if the seal needs replacing.
How to Perform the Test
All you need is a single sheet of A4 paper—lined or unlined, even an old letter will do. Place the paper against the door seal and close the door. When you try to pull the paper out, you should feel resistance. If the paper slides out easily, the door seal may need replacing.
Expert Advice
A Beko spokesman explained: “One issue that may arise with your fridge is wear and tear on the door seal. A worn-out seal can prevent the refrigerator door from closing properly, causing the cooling system to work harder to keep your groceries fresh. This can lead to increased energy consumption and potential damage to your fridge and its temperature settings. Warm air entering your fridge can overwhelm the cooling system, especially during hot summer days.”
Salah Sun, Head of Product Management at Beko UK, added: “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.”
Weather Forecast
The Met Office predicts that the warmest day of the coming week will be Friday, June 19, when temperatures in the south east could spike up to 30C, while other parts will see high twenties, apart from some scattered thunderstorms.
