Refrigerators are a gift to humankind, especially to homeowners. It saves us a lot of money by simply keeping food fresh. This machine, however, has developed into many types as technology advances. But don’t worry! We’re Teko.ph, the largest aircon and appliance services provider in the country, and we’re here to guide you through the world of refrigerators.
Where To Buy Refrigerators
Whether you’re in need of an upgrade or buying your first refrigerator, it’s essential to purchase from trustworthy retailers. To make sure that you get only top-quality products and services, here are three reputable appliance stores where you can buy refrigerators in the Philippines.
ConcepStore is an online appliance store that carries top brands in the Philippines, including refrigerators. Thanks to its local operations, you can expect to receive your purchase within 24 hours of payment confirmation. In addition to speedy deliveries, they also provide additional protection. If any item proves faulty or breaks during its first year of use, it will be replaced free of charge.
All ConcepStore products are genuine manufacturers’ products that have passed BPS Philippine Standard Safety Certification and SGS Fimko, Ltd. accreditation testing.
Types of Refrigerator
Before you rush off to order from one of the shops mentioned, it’s wise to do some extra research on exactly what type of refrigerator will be perfect for your family. Don’t just choose based on how a fridge looks or how known the brand is. First things first—know what type you need depending on your needs.
1. Top Freezer Refrigerator
This type of fridge is the classic—a household standard. Its lower-level design may not be ideal for some consumers due to its height, however, many homeowners go for this because of its affordable price range. Plus, it comes in various sizes that may fit small to large kitchens alike.
2. Side-by-Side Refrigerator
If you’re looking for a compact, space-saving design, side-by-side models are a perfect choice. A refrigerator and freezer fit right next to one another in a sleek vertical design. Besides being budget-friendly, this type requires minimal door swing clearance—ideal for kitchens with limited space! Moreover, most come with an external ice maker and water dispenser, adding to its convenience factor.
3. Bottom Freezer Refrigerator
Many opt for bottom freezer refrigerators because of a number of reasons. First is space, as this type of fridge offers large storage. Second, its eye-level design helps you find your food quickly. The only downside is that it may cost a bit more than the common types.
4. French Door Refrigerator
If you want to update your kitchen with a new look, you can easily do that with a French-door refrigerator. Not only does it provide large storage space thanks to its lower freezer, but you can also conserve energy by opening just one door at a time. You have two options when selecting these refrigerators: a drawer-style freezer or go for both doors in the freezer area. You could go for this type if you lack room space because they require limited swing areas and are adjustable enough to store wide items.
5. Counter-Depth Refrigerator
Counter-depth refrigerators are an excellent method to limit your options if you’re searching for a low-profile fit for your new refrigerator. Refrigerators in this category are typically between 27″ and 30″ deep, making them easier to integrate into your kitchen plan and maximize space. A counter-depth fridge might be the best option for you if you want to save space and create a fully integrated design.
6. Mini Fridge
Now, if perhaps your current living situation doesn’t demand a full-size fridge, then a mini-fridge might be the one for you. These refrigerators offer all of the chilling capability you need in a much smaller form, making them ideal for smaller kitchens, workplaces, recreational rooms, and other spaces. Mini refrigerators come in a wide range of sizes and configurations, with features such as a separate freezer section, double doors, and a glass front. Some types are meant to stand alone, while others are designed to fit cabinets.
7. Built-In Refrigerator
For a seamless finish, built-in refrigerators are intended to match your kitchen’s décor and cabinetry. To get the right fit: before installing, verify with your interior designer for the necessary measurements, and don’t forget to provide enough room for air to move freely. A concealed door hinge, safety glass, and LED lighting are included in these refrigerators, transforming your kitchen into a modern and valuable area. Needless to say, these units are the most expensive ones.
We realize that’s a lot of information to process, so don’t freak out. Just take a second to pick one or two that might match your needs. We just want to let you know that there are plenty of options out there that meet every preference and budget.
Important Factors to Consider Before Buying
Refrigerators, like other machinery and technologies, have come a long way. There are a number of features to look for, all of which are meant to give your fridge a whole new level of capability. With the endless array of features the salesman will bombard you with, It’s very easy to feel overwhelmed.
While some of these added functionalities are useful, evaluate them and see which ones matter most. Here are the most crucial ones to think about.
1. Compressor
A refrigerator’s “heart” is the compressor. It distributes the refrigerant throughout the system, increases pressure in the warm circuit, and heats the refrigerant. It’s akin to pumping air into a bicycle tube: when you compress the air, you can feel a heat increase in the pump.
Smaller units are often equipped with general compressors, whereas medium to large units are built with inverter compressors.
A. General Compressors
These compressors begin at high speed and maintain that level throughout their operation. Even when there is no cooling loss, they will continue to operate until the temperature reaches the optimum cold temperature. Refrigerators with this type of compressor require a lot more electricity.
B. Inverter Compressors
Inverter compressors, on the other hand, are adaptive by nature, and their speed differs based on how much cooling the machine requires. They start off slowly and then increase their pace as needed. Units with inverter compressors are more energy-efficient, but they carry a more expensive price tag.
2. Energy Efficiency
This is, without a doubt, one of the most crucial factors to consider. After all, if you’re going to use this appliance for at least a decade, it shouldn’t significantly increase your electricity bill month after month.
The quickest approach to determine whether a model is energy efficient is to look at its energy efficiency factor (EEF.) These details are visibly presented on the unit’s energy advice label, a bright yellow sheet of paper. This will make comparing the energy efficiency of various models in a store much easier.
Other helpful information is displayed on this yellow guide label such as storage capacity, minimum energy performance standard, method of estimating the unit’s running cost, and so on.
Energy Efficiency Factor (EEF)
The Energy Efficiency Factor (EEF) is the large number in the middle of a refrigerator’s energy guide label that indicates how well the fridge uses its electricity to chill its rated storage volume.
A high EEF value indicates that the model is more energy-efficient, resulting in reduced running costs. To compare the energy efficiency of identical refrigerator models at a store, use the EEF.
How to Calculate a Model’s Operating Cost
The EEF number will quickly tell you which model is more efficient, but it will not tell you how much it will cost to run that model.
Fortunately, we can use the energy guide label to get the computation we need to estimate a model’s operating costs. The formula is as follows:
Operating Cost per 24 hours = Energy Consumption (kWh/24h) x Energy Cost (Pesos/kWh)
3. Manufacturer’s Warranty
Because most refrigerators have a limited warranty term, it’s a good idea to choose a brand that provides an additional, extended warranty on the appliance, even if it’s not free. Don’t take it for granted; have a long conversation with your dealer about it.
Safety Precautions For Using Your Refrigerator
It’s probably not your first time using one of these, so some instruction on how to do so will be an insult to you. However, there might be ill-advised practices that we’re all accustomed to, which might harm your appliance and hurt its longevity. Consider this section a safety guideline when dealing with your machine.
For starters, it is advised that you read your owner’s manual before anything else, as most safety instructions are there, too. And while the precautions we are about to discuss will be of utmost importance, there might be instructions in those manuals that are brand-specific. So, do your due diligence. While this sounds like a lot of work, the return is being able to utilize your appliance for much longer and possibly even pass it down to the next generation.
1. Precautions for general use
- Never switch on the refrigerator right away if it shows any signs of damage. If in doubt, ask your dealer.
- Upon turning it on for the first time, allow the appliance to stand for 2 hours before putting in food.
- If you smell something akin to chemicals or smoke upon using the refrigerator, pull out the power plug immediately and contact your service center.
- Do not store or use any electrical appliances inside the refrigerator/freezer.
- Touching the internal walls of the freezer or the contents stored in the freezer with damp hands may cause frostbite.
- Avoid storing items on the top of the fridge as much as possible, as this restricts airflow and forces the refrigerator to work harder.
- Do not keep combustible items in the refrigerator. Storing benzene, thinner, alcohol, ether, and similar compounds may result in explosions.
2. Power-related precautions
- The refrigerator should always be plugged into its own direct socket.
- Check if the power plug is not compressed with the refrigerator’s rear.
- Do not overbend the power cable or stack heavy objects on top of it.
- If the power cable becomes frayed or broken, contact the manufacturer or your service provider to fix or replace it.
- If the cord has splits or abrasion damage along its length or at either end, do not plug it in.
- Never insert the power plug with wet hands.
- If you unplug the refrigerator from the power source, you should wait at least 10 minutes before plugging it back in.
- Remove the power plug if the refrigerator will not be used for an extended length of time.
3. Installation precautions
- Install the refrigerator in a dry, well-ventilated area where it will not come into touch with water.
- This refrigerator should not be placed in direct sunlight or exposed to heat from stoves, room heaters, or other equipment.
- After installation, the appliance must be positioned so that the plug is easily accessible.
- Clear any obstructions from the ventilation openings in the appliance casing or mounting structure.
- Air vent holes should not be covered. During installation, provide clearance to the right, left, rear, and top.
4. Cleaning precautions
- Before cleaning, unplug the refrigerator. When cleaning the plug and the rear part, avoid using a moist towel.
- Do not use dangerous chemicals that the manufacturer does not advise to clean the refrigerator.
- Remove any foreign debris or dust accumulated on the power plug pins.
- Clean the back of the refrigerator regularly. Dust increases the usage of energy.
Diagnosis and Repair
As with human ailments, our appliances may exhibit symptoms of underlying issues. While we strongly advise you to contact your appliance service provider as soon as you notice a problem with your refrigerator, these are the signs of refrigerator issue or damage that you should look out for:
- The refrigerator isn’t running, and the light isn’t functioning.
- The refrigerator isn’t running, but the light is working.
- The light in the refrigerator is not working.
- The refrigerator or freezer isn’t cold enough
- The refrigerator is loud or produces weird noises.
- The refrigerator has a foul odor.
- There is water on the floor outside the refrigerator.
The wisest course of action is to contact a trained technician when such issues occur. Besides, it might save you time, and even money as a DIY repair might be more costly down the road if not done right.
Disposal
Is it time to retire the old fridge? Maybe you have done your absolute best and had it checked out for repairs but to no avail. After all, nothing lasts forever. The question remains, how do you dispose of an appliance as big as a refrigerator safely?
Tossing your fridge on the side of the road is neither responsible nor environmentally friendly. Depending on where you reside, you may violate various laws or ordinances by doing so. Here’s a list of choices for getting rid of an old fridge.
1. Think about selling or donating it.
If your present refrigerator is still in good working order and you’re merely disposing of it to upgrade, don’t throw it away! Instead, you can sell it to someone who might need it.
Alternatively, you may give it to a local charity. Not only will you feel fantastic about giving anything to a worthy cause, but the nonprofit you chose may even pick it up from your home, addressing your refrigerator disposal issue.
2. Recycle
Even if your old fridge is no longer functional, it may still serve as an excellent storage solution for various objects in your house. Consider it for storing cleaning supplies and soaps in the garage, or clean it entirely and use it as a pantry for dry goods. Just don’t put anything perishable in there since it can breed germs and other unpleasant microbes, but canned foods and bags of chips are fine.
3. Request that your appliance dealer take it up.
When you’re ready to buy a new fridge, ask your appliance dealer whether they can provide disposal of your old one. As a courtesy, the dealer may agree to take your old refrigerator as part of your purchase, especially if they are simultaneously delivering your new refrigerator to your home, anyway. If they don’t provide this service, don’t be reluctant to negotiate it as part of the deal.
4. Get in touch with your local junkyard.
If none of the aforementioned choices are viable, call your local junk store to see if they’ll buy it from you. If they’re licensed, these shops would have a protocol in place for disposing of the unit after stripping it of valuable parts.
Conclusion
For most people, owning a refrigerator is no longer a luxury but a necessity. We can all agree that these appliances are some of the best ones ever invented.
Because refrigerators come in many shapes and sizes, it’s undoubtedly wise to check out the exact type and model that will work for you, your family, and your budget.
While there is certainly value in knowing your way around the machine, it’s still wiser to have a dedicated provider that offers professional service to repair, maintain, and even install your appliance.
Teko.ph is a Philippine-based technology startup that offers appliance services to households by our vetted and professional partner technicians. With Teko, you can book a certified technician for repair in three easy steps! Head over to teko.ph to book a service or check our incredible rates.
Owning a refrigerator is an absolute joy, and being able to maintain its excellent working condition for years to come is an incredible feeling as well. After all, if you take care of things, they last.
