During periods of intense heat, your refrigerator works far harder than in winter — and if its door gasket is faulty, it can consume more energy, struggle to keep foods cool, and wear out sooner. An A4 sheet of paper is enough to test its efficiency in just a few seconds.
What you will learn
- Why refrigerators use significantly more energy in summer and what problems this can cause
- How to perform the A4 sheet test and interpret the result
- Simple fixes to restore a faulty door seal without replacing it
Why your refrigerator works harder in summer
Refrigerators remove heat from their insides using a compressor and a refrigerant gas. This system kicks in whenever the internal temperature rises above the set threshold. In summer, the surrounding air is warmer, so the interior heats up more quickly with each door opening — forcing the compressor to run more often and for longer, which raises energy consumption.
For older refrigerators, where the door seal may have worn out over time, the problem is even more pronounced. A faulty seal lets hot air continuously seep in, compelling the appliance to compensate constantly — resulting in a higher energy bill, faster wear, and a greater risk of not keeping foods at safe temperatures.
The A4 sheet test: quick and free
Salah Sun, product manager at Beko UK, recommends a simple check: slide an A4 sheet along the door gasket of the refrigerator, then close the door. Try to pull the sheet out afterward.
If you feel a definite resistance, the gasket is providing a good seal. If the sheet slides out with little effort, the gasket is likely faulty and letting warm air pass — a problem to address quickly, especially during heat waves.
Before replacing the gasket: a few simple solutions
A faulty gasket does not always require replacement. A thorough cleaning with a soft cloth, warm water, and mild detergent — or a diluted white vinegar solution — can be enough to remove grime and grease that prevent the seal from adhering properly.
If the gasket has stiffened over time, a brief soak in warm water or a few seconds with a hair dryer can restore its suppleness and reestablish its seal without causing further damage. Replacement is only needed in cases of significant wear.
