Before the invention of modern refrigerators, people had to keep their refrigerators closed and rely on ice deliveries. Ice was used to preserve foodstuffs and they were sometimes called iceboxes. Before the 1920s, the ice delivery man would drop blocks of ice into the refrigerator. To keep the ice from melting, people had to keep the door shut. Today, refrigerators can use ice cube trays to keep food cold.
Hydro-fluorocarbons
Hydro-fluorocarbons (HFCs) in refrigerators and air conditioning units are highly toxic gases that contribute to global warming. EPA regulations will limit the use of HFCs in refrigerators and air conditioning units by 85 percent over the next 15 years. The new rule follows legislation passed by Congress last year. It will also restrict the imports of HFCs to the United States. The goal of the phaseout is to slow global warming.
CFCs
Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are artificial chemicals containing chlorine and fluorine atoms. They were used as refrigerants in refrigerators and heat pumps, as cleaning solvents, as aerosol propellants, as blowing agents in insulation, and as de-greasing and cleaning agents for electronics and metals. Although highly toxic, CFCs are extremely stable near the surface of the Earth.
Chlorofluorocarbons
The CFCs in refrigerators are dangerous because they contribute to the depletion of the ozone layer, a protective shield over the planet that protects us from harmful ultraviolet radiation. The CFCs in refrigerators have been in use for decades and were once widely used as refrigerants and aerosol sprays. However, their use has sparked a global conversation about how these chemicals are affecting the environment.
Ice Cube Trays
The first step to ensuring a great ice-cube-making experience is to buy the right ice-cube trays. Choose a type that will last a long time. There are a variety of styles available, and some are dishwasher safe. Other types include plastic and silicone. When choosing an ice-cube tray, make sure to look for a material with easy-grip edges and a non-slip base.
Electric refrigerators
Early Electric Refrigerators: Kelvinator led the way in this business in the Twenties with their wooden cold box and compressor. At $714, the unit was comparable to the $9,000/PS6,100 units on the market today. General Electric then invested $18 million in the Monitor-top fridge that featured all-steel cabinets and an encased condenser that resembled the turret of an Ironclad warship.
French Door Fridges
One of the benefits of French door refrigerators is the open space in the freezer. They allow for more storage space and less space for expired fugitives that taint fresh foods. Most people only need to access the freezer occasionally, so a French door fridge provides ample room for frozen goods. In addition, a French door refrigerator has a sleek, stainless steel finish that gives it a stylish, modern look. Here’s how to store your food in a French door fridge.
Compact Fridges
When you’re on a budget, compact refrigerators are a great option. They come with ENERGY STAR certification, digital temperature controls, and soft-closing doors. Many models have glass doors to showcase the contents and reduce the opening and closing of the door. There are even models available for outdoor use. Here’s a look at the top models. You’ll be amazed by the features these small refrigerators can provide!