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Beko warns older fridges may struggle during UK heatwave with door seal issues

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By Noah Newsroom

Friday, 2 May 2025 12:17AM UTC

As UK temperatures hit 30°C unexpectedly, Beko cautions that older refrigerators risk higher energy use and food spoilage due to potential door seal wear, advising a simple paper test for consumers to check their fridge's efficiency.

With temperatures across the UK reaching uncharacteristic highs of 30°C this week, households are facing potential challenges related to food storage and appliance efficiency. The current warm spell has prompted caution from manufacturers regarding the impact of rising temperatures on refrigeration systems, particularly older models.

Beko, a well-known white goods manufacturer, has alerted consumers to the possibility that older fridges may struggle during these hotter conditions. A spokesman for the company mentioned, “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.”

In a practical step for consumers, Beko suggests using a single sheet of A4 paper as a diagnostic tool. By placing the paper in the fridge door and attempting to close it, households can determine the integrity of the door seal. If the paper slips out easily, this may indicate that the seal is not functioning correctly, potentially jeopardising food safety and elevating energy costs.

As the unseasonably warm weather continues, there is a growing awareness of the broader implications for everyday life, especially regarding household management and appliance upkeep. Individuals may find themselves adjusting not only to the heat but also to the increased responsibilities of ensuring their home appliances operate efficiently in such conditions.

The Express has highlighted how this unusual weather pattern could foster increased vulnerability in food spoilage and elevated energy consumption, urging consumers to monitor their appliances closely as summer temperatures remain unusually elevated for the time of year.

Source: Noah Wire Services

More on this

https://www.food.gov.uk/safety-hygiene/food-safety-in-a-heatwave-advice-for-consumers - This page provides guidance on food safety during heatwaves, emphasizing the importance of maintaining refrigerator temperatures between 0 and 5°C to prevent bacterial growth and food spoilage.
https://www.which.co.uk/news/article/7-ways-to-keep-your-fridge-cool-in-hot-weather-a3qKY6E7ZYAr - This article offers practical tips for keeping refrigerators cool during hot weather, including checking door seals for damage, which can lead to increased energy consumption and potential appliance damage if not addressed.
https://houseandhomeonline.com/does-hot-weather-affect-refrigerator/ - This article discusses how hot weather affects refrigerator performance and energy efficiency, highlighting the importance of proper maintenance, such as cleaning and checking seals, to ensure optimal operation during high temperatures.
https://www.resourcedm.com/resources/blog/summer-challenges-for-refrigeration-systems/ - This blog post discusses the challenges that rising summer temperatures pose to refrigeration systems, noting that a 2°C increase in average summer temperature can raise refrigeration energy demand by 6%.
https://www.resourcedm.com/resources/blog/summer-challenges-for-refrigeration-systems/ - The blog post also mentions that during the 2018 UK heatwave, refrigeration equipment usage increased by 5-11%, leading to higher energy consumption and more frequent breakdowns, which can result in food spoilage and increased maintenance costs.
https://www.resourcedm.com/resources/blog/summer-challenges-for-refrigeration-systems/ - The article emphasizes the need for extensive maintenance of refrigeration units before hot summer temperatures set in and preparations for expedited repairs during the summer months to prevent food waste and ensure appliance efficiency.
https://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/2049372/households-urged-put-sheet-of-a4-fridge - Please view link - unable to able to access data

Noah Fact Check Pro

The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may warrant further investigation.

Freshness check

Score: 8

Notes: Narrative references current weather conditions, but no direct timestamp for Beko’s statement. Advice aligns with general appliance maintenance practices rather than time-sensitive revelations.

Quotes check

Score: 6

Notes: Beko’s quote about door seals and A4 testing method appears unique, but no earlier references found. Likely original to this report.

Source reliability

Score: 6

Notes: Narrative originates from a mid-tier tabloid. Quoted manufacturer (Beko) is credible, but methodology lacks third-party verification.

Plausability check

Score: 9

Notes: Door seal degradation in heat is well-documented. A4 test method aligns with basic physics principles for airtightness checks.

Overall assessment

Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS

Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): MEDIUM

Summary: Practical advice appears technically plausible despite moderate reliability of narrative source. Lack of time-stamped manufacturing guidance slightly limits confidence.

Beko
UK heatwave
fridge maintenance