The Integrated Fridge

A fridge can sometimes stick out like a sore thumb in the midst of your interior decor, especially when it's hard to find a fridge that can fit in with the theme of your decor. Having a seamless integrated fridge might just be the thing for you.



Article is taken off interioguru.com

The Integrated Fridge

I think most people would agree that the kitchen is the heart of the home. It’s where all the meals are prepared, where everyone goes to fetch a snack or a drink, and where family members often gather. It’s a room you spend a lot of time in. With this in mind, it’s no wonder that this room is receiving a lot of attention when it comes to building and remodeling. Lots of new trends have come along for kitchens in the past few years. One of the most dramatic is the fully integrated kitchen, including an integrated fridge.

What’s an integrated kitchen?

An integrated kitchen is one in which everything matches – cabinets and appliances. There’s a seamless flow, with no metal appliances visible. An integrated refrigerator is part of this decorating scheme. Integrated refrigerators are fitted with a wooden panel over the door that’s crafted to match your cabinetry. An integrated fridge door is stained or painted and routed or fitted with molding and hardware to completely match the wooden cabinets in your kitchen.

Standard refrigerators have to be placed where they have enough air space around them for proper ventilation, but integrated refrigerators are different. Most of them are ventilated from the front instead of from the back like older refrigerators, so they can be placed anywhere.

Types of styles of integrated refrigerators

Integrated fridges come in several different styles. Homeowners might choose an appliance that’s all refrigerator space, or one that’s a combination integrated refrigerator freezer. Configurations can include models with the freezer on top or on the bottom. Side-by-side units are also available, along with slide-out refrigerator or freezer drawers.

If you decide at some point in the future that you need more cooling area, it’s easy to add an under counter fridge or freezer that will match your existing kitchen décor. You can even add an ultra chic wine cooler!

Many homeowners are using the integrated fridge freezers in other rooms in the house, too. They make great additions to family rooms, home bars, game rooms, and mother-in-law suites. They’ll fit in practically anywhere!

The specifications

Integrated refrigerators come in several different sizes, and most of these new units are very energy efficient, which will save you money on your power bill. Some have handy alarms that alert you when the door or refrigerator drawer is left ajar – another energy-saving characteristic. Many integrated fridges also have electronic controls upfront that are super simple to use.

Another wonderful point about most integrated fridges or integrated fridge freezers is that they have specific temperature zones for different types of foods. This allows different foods to be kept at their optimum storage temperatures, increasing their storage life – yet another money-saving feature.

Why you should consider an integrated fridge

If you’re building or remodeling, consider adding a fully integrated fridge or integrated fridge freezer to your kitchen or other rooms in your home. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised at what a difference this type of appliance will make in the appearance of the room, and you’ll love all the handy functions an integrated refrigerator offers.

5 Signs It's Time to Replace Your Refrigerator

Do you have any idea when you should change a new refrigerator?

Article taken off ihavenet.com

5 Signs It's Time to Replace Your Refrigerator

The appliances in your home -- particularly the refrigerator, clothes washer and dryer -- account for about 17 percent of your home’s electricity usage, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Since the refrigerator is the one appliance that operates 24/7 year after year, it’s a key contributor to your home's monthly energy consumption.

If your refrigerator was manufactured before 1993, you’re already using twice the energy as a new Energy Star–rated model.

But age isn’t the only reason you may need to consider purchasing a new fridge. There are five warning signs that it’s time. Ask yourself:


1. Do you see signs of moisture?

Are there signs of condensation on the inside of the door frame? If so, the rubber seal designed to keep cold air in and warm air out isn’t as airtight as it needs to be. While the energy loss may seem negligible, anything that requires the motor to run more frequently over time is costing you energy -- and money. You may be able to change the seal yourself or have a handyman do it. But if your refrigerator is old, and this is only one of several problems, it might be wise to start shopping for a new one.

2. Is your unit generating heat?

We all know refrigerators are meant to keep food cold, but if your unit is generating noticeable heat from the back coils or the sides, a replacement is in order. New refrigerators have improved insulation in the doors and exterior walls to help maintain better temperatures and muffle motor noise. With more energy-efficient compressors and more precise temperature and defrost mechanisms, new models produce less heat, operate more quietly and insure temperatures are kept at the optimum settings. To be sure that the unit you buy meets these standards, look for the blue Energy Star label.

3. Is the motor running continuously?

The old joke “Is your refrigerator running? Well, you’d better catch it!” isn’t far from the truth. Refrigerators have an on-off timer that lets the motor operate just enough to maintain the temperatures inside. Door openings and closing will, of course, contribute to the motor running more frequently. But if you suspect your refrigerator is running more than normal -- or continuously -- it may be a sign that your refrigerator needs replacing.

4. Is your food staying fresh?

Refrigerators need to maintain an inside temperature of 35 to 38 F to keep food fresh. Anything higher and it will spoil too quickly. Anything lower and freezing becomes a problem. You can purchase a refrigerator thermometer to test temperatures, but if you have been inching the colder setting lower over time -- or notice that vegetables, dairy products and leftovers don’t keep as long as they used to -- it’s time to shop for a new refrigerator.

5. Do you manually defrost your freezer?

Finally, if your freezer compartment requires manual defrosting, there’s no need to contemplate whether you need a new refrigerator -- you do. Although freezers that require manual defrosting are somewhat more efficient than frost-free models, they have to be maintained regularly in order to operate at peak efficiency. The more frost and ice that builds up on the inside of a freezer, the harder the unit has to work. Taking into account the time it requires to defrost a freezer and the problems with temporary food displacement, a new fridge will eliminate the chore (saving you time) and still be more energy-efficient than your current model (saving you money).