When it comes to manufactured home refrigerators, choosing one that matches your needs can be a challenging task for any homeowner.
It requires a lot of research and patience to ensure you get the desired product.
Besides, apart from the top features, you will also like a fridge that is energy efficient. A fridge can also improve your home aesthetics, making it more personal and relaxing.
Five Manufactured Home Refrigerator Shopping Factors
When looking for a refrigerator for your home, you should consider some factors such as:
- Type
- Size
- Energy Star
- Features
- Price
1. Type of Refrigerator
First, you need to decide on the type of refrigerator to buy as there are many models in the market such as built in, top freezer, and French door.
The built-in refrigerators can be easily fitted to your kitchen cabinet.
Your new refrigerator doesn’t have to be the same as the one your old one as long as it’s of the correct size.
With regards to energy uses, the side by side fridge uses the highest amount of power followed by bottom freezer and a top freezer in order.
2. Size of The Refrigerator
The second factor to consider is the size of the refrigerator with regards to the available space.
Most manufactured homes have smaller kitchen spaces, and the best choice would be under counter fridges, since they can be easily fitted to the kitchen cabinet.
The size of the refrigerator also determines its energy consumption, and the larger the size, the higher the power usage.
You should get models ranging from 16 to 20 cubic feet as they’re the most energy efficient.
Also, after you replace your refrigerator, don’t keep the old one for extra storage unless it’s smaller and energy efficient as you would want it to be.
3. Energy Star
Before buying a new refrigerator, note that they use a lot of electricity, and therefore, it’s best to buy one that will not inflate your power bills.
A refrigerator is one of the largest consumers of power, but thanks to technological improvements, you can get energy efficient ones.
These are called Energy Star certified refrigerators, and they help you save energy and reduce carbon output, which pollutes the environment.
4. Additional Features
Consider the features in your fridge and compare it with your storage and cooling needs.
If you are much into fruits and vegetables, then get a refrigerator with two crispers and humidity control.
On the other hand, if you are more into meat storage, then get one with an integrated meat keeper.
5. Price
A manufactured home fridge with simple features is quite cheap but the prices increases with each additional feature.
Therefore, though a direct cold fridge is cheaper than a frost free refrigerator, it will be more expensive if it has a water dispenser.
But avoid buying fridges with features you don’t need; instead ensure you are paying for the features you’ll use.
Be Sure To Recycle Your Old Refrigerator
If you want to help in preventing the global warming crisis, then recycle the old fridge in your manufactured home.
It not only prevents someone from reusing some energy wasting units in the device but also prevents the release of harmful greenhouses gases from the device.
The Six Types of Manufactured Home Refrigerators – Additional Info
A refrigerator is a long term investment as it’s an item you will use every day for at least a decade.
Therefore, its ideal to check the available options and their features before making an informed decision on the refrigerator to take home. Well, below are some of the most popular refrigerator types:
1. Top Freezer
Top freezer refrigerators have been a classic and favorite kitchen appliance for many years. They’re usually installed at a lower level, which makes it not ideal to some groups of people, i.e., the taller ones.
But it’s quite cheap and is therefore ideal for those on a low budget. Besides, it’s available in a wide array of sizes, styles, and colors to enable you to fit it into your small or large kitchen.
2. Side by Side
The side by side refrigerator comes with a fridge and a vertical freezer closer to each other. Despite its small profile, it doesn’t limit the amount of foods you can store.
These refrigerators are also ideal for customers on a budget, but they’re less energy efficient.
They require a small door swing space, which makes them ideal for kitchens that have a limited area. Most of them also come with an external dispenser and ice machine.
3. Bottom Freezer Refrigerator
The Bottom Freezer Refrigerator is most popular due to the plenty of storage spaces it provides in the freezer and refrigerator sections.
Therefore, you can store contents of different widths and sizes with ease. You can also install it at the eye level to make it easier to find any item you need.
4. French Door
The French door refrigerator has a modern look, which makes it a valuable addition to any kitchen.
It has ample storage spaces and gives you the convenience of opening one refrigerator door you need at a time, so that cold air doesn’t escape from the device.
Some models of this fridge have a drawer style freezer while some have French doors in the freezer area.
With the French doors, you’ll only need a little swinging space. Besides, they are versatile in storing contents of different sizes.
5. Counter Depth
If you need a low profile manufactured home refrigerator for your home, then choose this counter depth fridge.
These models usually range from 27″ to 30″ deep and can easily blend with your kitchen layout and utilize your space well.
It will also give your manufactured home kitchen a fully integrated look and save space for storing other items in the room.
6. Mini Fridge
So you are looking for a mini sized refrigerator for your home? Mini fridges offer the required cooling power in a smaller size.
Therefore, they’re ideal for areas with limited spaces, i.e., offices and kitchen.
They are also available in a wide variety of mini fridge sizes and configurations in the market.
You can choose a glass front, double doors, or a separate freezer compartment option.
What’s more, some models are designed to be installed in a cabinet setup while others remain stable on freestanding mode.
Refrigerator Cleaning & Maintenance Tips
The cleaning time increases with an increase in the number of fridge compartments.
Different shelf materials also require different types of cleaning, and a wire shelf will take more time and effort than a solid tampered glass shelf.
If you’re more interested in keeping your refrigerator spotless clean, then avoid stainless steel exteriors as they can smudge easily. Instead, consider the smudge free finish or a colored exterior.
Well, if you adhere to some simple cleaning and maintenance procedures, then your refrigerator will extend its life and efficiency.
Below are some of the measures you should take to ensure your appliance is in the top performance and shape.
What You Need
- Vacuum cleaner or broom
- All purpose cleaner
- Cleaning Rag
- Level
The Top Nine Ways of Maintaining your Refrigerator
1. Clean the Condenser Coils
If the condenser coils of your refrigerator get dirtier, then the device will use more energy to perform its functions. This will translate to higher energy bills and shorter life expectancy for the device, which is not good.
To prevent this situation, get a broom or vacuum and use it to remove dust in the coils after every 2 – 3 months. If you have pets in your home, then clean the condenser coils each month.
The coils can be found behind or under the refrigerator based on the model you are using.
If the coils are underneath, then remove the grill located at the bottom front of the fridge to reach them.
On the other hand, if they are behind, then remove the unit from the wall.
2. Clean the Drain Hole and Drip Pan
The drip pan and drain hole of a refrigerator are critical as they help the device to remove condensed particles for a more efficient functioning.
Get rid of any mineral deposits or food particles from the drain hole by adhering to the owner’s manual instructions.
Finally, scrub the drain pan out.
3. Check and Clean the Gaskets
The gaskets located on the freezer and refrigerator doors help in sealing the cold inside while keeping the warm air outside to increase the efficiency of the fridge.
Therefore, always check that the seal is strong to its optimum levels. Check the gaskets for any cracked or damaged spots.
If the gasket is not working as it should be, then clean it with an all purpose cleaner and wipe it dry. But if the problem persists, then get a gasket replacement.
The gasket is also susceptible to mildew and if it becomes too dirty, then its efficiency will reduce. Therefore, remember to clean the gasket with vinegar to prevent the growth of mildew.
4. Change the Water Filter
If your manufactured home refrigerator has a water dispenser or ice maker, then you will have to replace the accompanying water filter regularly.
The best time for replacement is after every six months or according to the manufacturer’s manual.
If you pass water through a dirty filter, then the water will become dirtier than it was initially .
5. Check The Leveling
If your fridge is not leveled as it should be then it will be harder for the doors to close on their own or close tightly as they should be.
This will result in energy loss but you can prevent it by placing a carpenter level on top of the fridge to confirm that its leveled.
6. Check The Door Seals
Loose door seals make air to leak out, leading to energy loss and causing your refrigerator to work harder than it’s supposed to.
Clean the seals every six months to remove any food residues and increase its efficiency. When cleaning the seals, use clean water and baking soda.
Put a one dollar bill to the fridge door in a way that half of it will be inside while the other half is outside; if the dollar slips out quickly, then you may require a professional to check them.
7. Set the right temperature.
Keep the refrigerator at temperatures of 37 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit and the freezer at 0 degrees. The fridge is made of many electronic components, and keeping it in the optimum temperature lengthens the life of these electrical items.
8. Fill the refrigerator up
Refrigerators require a lot of “mass” or plenty of food for them to stay at a low temperature.
You should place many cool drinks and foods as they will help absorb the warm air that enters the device once you open doors. And if you love eating outside home, then keep some water jugs on the fridge.
A full refrigerator will maintain the temperatures for 48 hours while a half full one will only maintain them for 24 hours.
9. Be prepared
If you have a refrigerator at your manufactured home, then be ready for any power loss eventuality.
If the power goes off, then avoid the food from the refrigerator and instead eat from the pantry. This is because leaving the fridge unopened will make the food safer by four hours after the loss of power.
It would also be useful to create a plan for cleaning and maintaining your refrigerator in your calendar.
Don’t forget to check the manufacturer user manual if there is additional maintenance required for your model, and if there are specific part numbers, you’ll need during replacement.
Related: Should You Put a Rug in Front of the Refrigerator?
In Closing…
A refrigerator is a valuable addition to any manufactured home across the world.
From storing fruits to vegetables and drinks, it’s hard to underestimate the power of the modern fridge.
Besides, some come with extra features like dispensers and ice makers for doing other tasks.
You have the liberty of choosing a refrigerator that suits your needs. Therefore, pick your ideal manufactured home refrigerator today and enjoy the pleasantries of owning this appliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can refrigerators catch fire?
Yes. An electrical short-circuit or an overheated compressor can cause a fire.
If the lightbulb remains on for an extended period while the fridge door is closed, it can make the refrigerator a fire hazard.
Q: Can the refrigerator be plugged into an extension cord?
Yes.
You can use an extension cord provided that its capacity is adequate.
However, refrigerator manufacturers do not recommend using extension cords since people can handle power needs without heating too much.
Therefore, it can end up being a fire hazard.
Q: Can a refrigerator be next to the oven?
Yes. However, placing the refrigerator next to the oven can overwork to achieve the desired temperature.
If you wish to place the refrigerator next to the oven, you should have enough insulation to minimize heat transfer between the two components.
Q: Can refrigerator doors be removed?
Yes. It is easy to remove the refrigerator doors, especially when you want it to fit through a small doorway.
To remove the door, you should disconnect the electrical cable, water line, and empty the shelves.
After that, you can unscrew and remove the bracket. You can then lift off the door.
Q: Can you change the refrigerator handles?
Yes. To replace the handle, you can follow the steps below:
- Hold the handle tightly and then push it upwards and outwards.
- After you remove it, slide the new handle and press it firmly into place.
Q: Can a refrigerator be kept in an unheated garage?
Yes. However, a significant number of refrigerators will stop working during the winter season when placed in an unheated garage.
But this will depend on how well you have insulated your garage area.
Moreover, it is inadvisable to place a refrigerator in places with temperatures above 50 degrees.
Q: Can the refrigerator work and not the freezer?
Yes.
The refrigerator can work, but its freezer fails to work when the evaporator coils do not work correctly.
The evaporator coils can fail to work when they are filled with frost such that air does not get enough space to pass through to get them cold.
There are freezer only units in the marketplace if the need ever arises.
Q: Is it safe to put hot food in the refrigerator?
No. It is not advisable to place hot foods in the refrigerator.
However, you can put hot food into the fridge provided you divide it into small portions and put it into shallow containers for faster cooling if it was in large amounts.
Q: Is it safe to put open cans in the fridge?
No. It will help if you do not try to store open cans in the fridge since the tin and iron can seep into the food and taint the flavor.
Q: Is it ok to place unopened canned food in your refrigerator?
You can store unopened canned food in your refrigerator.
But it does not make sense when it comes to food safety since the idea of canning is to make your food safe for storage under room temperature.
Therefore, you should transfer your food into a sealed container for storage, even if it is in a can.
Q: Is it safe to put your phone in the fridge?
No. Never put your phone into the refrigerator since the cold temperature can damage it.
Q: Are refrigerator warranties worth it?
Yes. A warranty will offer you peace of mind since you will not spend thousands of dollars on repairs once your refrigerator breaks down.
Q: Can the refrigerator and freezer be on the same circuit?
Yes. However, it is advisable to have dedicated circuits to avoid electrical overload.
Q: Can refrigerators be transported on their side?
Yes. You can move your refrigerator on its side, but there will be a risk of oil coming out of the compressor and spilling into areas where it can damage some parts, making it stop cooling.
Q: Can refrigerators be opened from the inside?
Yes. Refrigerators that have magnetic latches can be opened from both inside and outside.
Q: Can magnets damage refrigerators?
Yes. Magnets that have sharp corners or raised surfaces can cause scratching to the surface of the refrigerator.
Q: Can plumbers fix refrigerators?
Yes. If the water supply to the fridge is leaking, the plumber can fix it.
A plumber should look into the valve, identify the problem, and fix it.
However, if the refrigerator has other issues apart from the water valve, then a plumber cannot fix them, but an appliance repair expert can assist you.
Q: Can mice get into refrigerators?
Yes. Mice can get into the refrigerator through any weak point, such as the door seal.
Q: Can refrigerators be plugged into surge protectors?
It is not recommended to connect the refrigerator to a surge protector.
Typically, the compressor is sensitive to current overloads and temperature.
Therefore, it will automatically shut off when there is a power surge and restart after the issue is solved.
Q: Can refrigerators run out of freon?
Yes. However, Freon is pressurized inside a closed system, but it can leak out if the system is damaged or compromised.
Q: Can refrigerator seals be replaced?
Yes. To replace the seals, you can follow the steps below:
- Remove the gasket from the refrigerator door.
- Loosen the screws holding the metal retainer around the door without removing them.
- Pull out the gasket.
- Install a new gasket.
Q: Can refrigerators stay unplugged?
Yes. If your refrigerator is working well, leaving it unplugged for any period cannot cause any harm.
Q: Are refrigerators required to be GFCI protected?
Yes. All commercial buildings are expected to have refrigerators that are GFCI protected.
Q: Are refrigerators supposed to be level?
Yes. To prevent cooling issues, leaks, noise, and save energy, you should place your refrigerator on a level surface.
Q: Should a refrigerator be on its circuit?
Yes. It is recommended to have a refrigerator on its dedicated circuit since it can spike, especially peak power.
Q: Should refrigerator doors close automatically?
Your refrigerator doors should not self- close unless they have a specific mechanism, such as a spring-loaded cam or gravity.
Q: Should a refrigerator hum all the time?
If your refrigerator hums gently, it is a sign that your food is cooled safely at the right temperature, but if it hums all the time, it implies that it is dirty.