HINTS AND TIPS
Normal Operating Sounds
You may hear faint gurgling or bubbling sounds when the refrigerant is pumped through the coils or tubing at the rear, to the cooling plate/evaporator or to the fixed freezer shelves. When the compressor is on, the refrigerant is being pumped round, and you will hear a whirring sound or pulsating noise from the compressor. A thermostat controls the compressor, and you will hear a faint 'click' when the thermostat cuts in and out. Always leave warm food to cool down to room temperature before placing in the fridge or freezer. Food which is to be frozen (when cool) should be placed in the fridge before being transferred to the freezer. Thaw frozen food in the fridge. This will ensure safer defrosting of foods and reduce the work of the refrigeration unit. Try to avoid keeping the door open for long periods, or opening the door too frequently as warm air will enter the cabinet, and cause the compressor to switch on unnecessarily often. Ensure there are no obstructions preventing the door from closing properly. It is advisable to periodically clean the refrigeration system at the back of the appliance with a duster or vacuum cleaner.
Food Storage
To obtain the best results from your appliance, neither hot foods nor liquids which may evaporate, should be placed in the larder compartment. Avoid buying frozen food if you cannot store it straight away. The use of an insulated container is advisable. When you arrive home place the frozen food in the freezer immediately. Keep the time between buying chilled food and placing it in your fridge as short as possible. Do not push food together too much, try to allow air to circulate around each item. Do not store food uncovered. Ensure that food is placed in the freezer that is dated and labelled and used in date order to ensure that food is consumed at its best. Remove suspect food from your refrigerator and clean, refer to cleaning and maintenance.
In the Event of a Power Failure
If there is a power failure during the storage of frozen foods, keep the door closed. If the temperature within your freezer should rise do not refreeze the food without checking it's condition. The following guidelines should assist you: Ice Cream: Once thawed should be discarded. Fruit and Vegetables: If soft should be cooked and used up. Bread and Cakes: Can be refrozen without danger. Shellfish: Should be refrigerated and used up quickly. Cooked Dishes: i.e. casseroles, should be refrigerated and used up. Large Pieces of Meat: Can be re-frozen providing there are ice crystals remaining within them. Small Joints: Should be cooked and then re-frozen as cooked dishes. Chicken: Should be cooked and re-frozen as a fresh dish.
Energy Saving Advice
Do not install the cabinet close to sources of heat, such as a cooker, dishwasher or radiator. Locate the appliance in a cool well ventilated room and make sure that the air openings of the cabinet are not obstructed. Avoid unnecessary frosting in the cabinet by packing all foodstuffs into airtight packages before placing them in the freezer.
