Today everyone knows about the benefits of preserving food and drinks inside a refrigerator or freezer but many people do not know the optimum temperature for doing so. It is easy to buy a new refrigerator or freezer, plug it in, wait for it to cool down then put your food and drinks inside and forget about it. However many illnesses could be prevented by setting, controlling and maintaining the temperature inside refrigerators and freezers.

Refrigerators and freezers are used because bacterial inside food is constantly growing and by chilling or freezing food this growth is slowed down or almost stopped. This means that the life of the food is extended as it is able to be eaten much later than if the food was left exposed to the normal air.

If you are using a refrigerator there are certain things that you need to know: the most important being the best temperature to keep your food items safe. Every refrigerator's optimum temperature is the same, regardless of size, and this is 37 degrees F, however anything between 34-40 degrees F is safe. To check that your refrigerator is at this optimum temperature you should place a thermometer inside a glass or jar of water and stand it inside your refrigerator and leave it where it is, undisturbed for 24 hours. During this time continue to use your refrigerator as normal. After 24 hours check the temperature, if it is 37 degrees F your refrigerator is running fine and at the right temperature, if not adjust the temperature setting and test the temperature again, repeating the method above.

To test that your freezer is at its optimum temperature which is 0 degrees F (it should never get higher than 5 degrees F) simply place a thermometer inside and leave it for 24 hours. After this time, as with a refrigerator check the temperature and if necessary adjust the temperature setting on your freezer.

If you fail to keep your refrigerators and freezers at these optimum temperatures you will be putting yourself at risk from eating food that could be contaminated by germs and bacterial growth. There are certain things that you can do to make sure that your appliances are running as they should be and are kept at the recommended temperatures by maintaining them and replacing them when needed. Poorly maintained refrigerators and freezers can lead to food going moldy and even food poisoning.

To get the best information and help when choosing a refrigeration or freezer that is the best for you and your needs either residentially or commercially speak to your local HVAC technician. You will find that you are dealt with by experts in the fields of refrigeration, freezing, heating and air conditioning who can help you with any problems you might encounter with your appliances.