Old British fridges struggle to keep cool during record-breaking heatwaves

As Britain experiences another hot week, experts warn that many fridges in UK homes and supermarkets are unable to cope with record-breaking temperatures. On Friday, refrigeration expert Dr. Alan Foster noted that these appliances were "designed decades ago in a much cooler world" and typically operate effectively only up to 32°C.

Why Are Fridges Failing in High Temperatures?

When temperatures exceed 32°C, fridges struggle to maintain their internal cooling, leading to potential failure. In Somerset, shoppers reported empty supermarket fridges, while engineers in Wiltshire faced record call-outs for home appliances that could not cope with the heat. Dr. Foster's experiments with fridges in a climate-controlled lab revealed that older models are particularly vulnerable to high temperatures, as the compressor must work continuously, eventually leading to breakdown.

Impact on Supermarkets and Consumers

During the recent heatwave, supermarkets in the UK took drastic measures, reducing the number of chilled cabinets in use to maintain cooling in essential units. A study by the UK Climate Change Commission highlighted the food industry's struggles during last year's heatwave, which saw temperatures reach 40.3°C. Many supermarkets had to empty shelves as refrigeration systems failed, a situation mirrored again as temperatures soared.

• Supermarkets reported:
• Fridges designed for 32°C
• Record high temperatures of 36.7°C in Somerset
• Increased energy costs and appliance failures

What Are the Solutions?

While some supermarkets are designing fridges to handle temperatures up to 38°C, replacing older units is not feasible due to high costs. Dr. Foster emphasized that it is impossible to replace all fridges overnight, as many have a lifespan of 20 years. Meanwhile, home appliance technicians report a surge in repair requests, as older fridges struggle to cope with temperatures above 35°C.

Cindy Nellis from Bath Domestic Appliances stated, "The phones were ringing off the hook" as consumers sought help for malfunctioning fridges. As the climate continues to warm, both consumers and retailers must adapt to these challenges to ensure food safety and appliance reliability.