What does 'Fridge Ambient Temperature' mean?

What does 'Fridge Ambient Temperature' mean?

Ambient temperature is usually the room temperature or the temperature of the air surrounding equipment under consideration such as a commercial fridge or freezer.

 

When discussing and searching for commercial fridges, freezers and ice machines, one might see in the description or spec sheets the ambient temperature recorded as 32Cs, 38C or 43C. Also sometimes it indicate the relative humidity (R.H.) rating for example 75% R.H.  The temperature referenced implies the warmth of the space where the fridge/freezer is kept. The relative humidity is measure the moisture in the air. 

When using a refrigerator where the temperature is not maintained, the ambient temperature can affect the refrigerator performance. If the refrigerator is located in a room where the temperature is high and it is opened frequently, then the efficiency will decrease significantly. When the outside temperature is so warm, it can cause other problems, too. The consistency of the cooled temperature inside the unit may vary widely and your food may spoil more quickly.

Commercial refrigerators utilize a compressor controlled by a thermostat to generate cold air. The compressor works by condensing the refrigerant gas, extracting heat from it. As the refrigerant evaporates, it cools the contents stored inside the refrigerator. If the ambient temperature is too high, the gas simply cannot cool enough and therefore cannot cool the fridge or freezer’s cabinet all the way down to the desired temperature.

The highest temperature point at which most refrigerators will work is 38°C. Once the temperature reaches 32°C or higher, the refrigerator will run continuously to maintain the set temperature but at any point past 38°C, the interior temperature may not remain stable. 

Relative humidity becomes a more significant concern when your fridge or freezer features a glass door. The contrast in humidity between the interior and exterior of the appliance can be substantial, potentially leading to condensation forming on the outer surface of the glass. This consideration is rarely noteworthy in cooler regions, such as Victoria or Tasmania. However, if you reside in areas with tropical climates like North Queensland or Northern Territory characterised by consistently high temperatures and humidity, it is essential to give these factors careful thought when selecting a commercial fridge, freezer, or ice maker. 

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