As the UK braces for another heatwave this week, experts have revealed a simple trick to check if your fridge is working properly – and it involves using a single piece of A4 paper
UK households are being prompted to pop a sheet of A4 paper into their fridges during this week’s heatwave. With the mercury set to soar to a scorching 30C by Thursday, many Brits might find themselves unprepared for the blistering heat and its subsequent impact on their homes and appliances, which could hit them in the pocket.
The sweltering weather may have an unexpected effect on your food and beverages, as well as your fridge itself. Beko, a leading white goods manufacturer, warns that older fridges may suffer from a common issue where the door seal no longer functions effectively.
‘Life-saving’ menopause product inspired by menopausal 25-year-old sells out 3 times
This can lead to increased energy bills as the fridge struggles to maintain a cool temperature, potentially causing harm to the appliance and resulting in food spoiling more rapidly.
To conduct a simple check, all you require is a solitary piece of A4 paper. A representative from Beko explained: “One issue that may arise with your fridge is wear and tear on the door seal.
“A worn-out door 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, advised: “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.”
The Met Office has forecasted that the heat will start making a comeback on Tuesday, with temperatures progressively climbing until they peak on Thursday,” reports the Express. However, it’s expected to remain quite balmy on Friday and Saturday.
The mercury is set to hit 25C on Tuesday, then jump to 27C on Wednesday, soar to 30C by Thursday, before slightly dipping to 29C on Friday and Saturday, particularly in London and much of the south.
The Met Office further predicted in its outlook that “a period of high temperatures and humidity” will make a return towards the week’s end.
For the period from Friday, July 11 to Sunday, July 20, the forecast reads: “Many parts of the UK are expected to be part way through a period of high temperatures and humidity at the start of this period.
“The duration, geographical extent and intensity of the heat are all rather uncertain at present, but there is the potential for some very hot weather to be realised, especially across some inland southern and eastern areas.
“With this also comes the possibility of thunderstorms, in part because of the high temperatures, but also in association with any frontal systems moving in from the west, which would ultimately usher in cooler and fresher conditions.
“Towards the latter part of the period, northwestern areas stand a greater chance of experiencing rather more changeable conditions, with drier and occasionally hotter spells more likely further southeast.
