In short

Leave ventilation space around the fridge and keep it away from the oven and sun, clean dust from the rear or bottom grille, set around 3 °C for the fridge and −18 °C for the freezer, keep vents clear, open the doors less, and check the gaskets.

Location and ventilation

A fridge releases the heat it removes from inside through the condenser at the back or bottom. If it’s squeezed into a tight corner or cabinet, that heat lingers and the compressor runs longer.

  • Leave the clearance your manual specifies behind, beside and above the fridge.
  • Keep it away from the oven, direct sunlight and heat sources.
  • Don’t store items on top that block heat escaping.

Clean the dust before summer

Dust on the condenser or grille acts as insulation. Unplug and vacuum or brush the outer grille without removing covers. This simple step is one of the most helpful in hot weather.

The right settings

Around 3 °C for the fridge and −18 °C for the freezer suits most uses. Setting it much colder doesn’t cool faster — it uses more energy and may freeze some food.

Use Power Cool / Power Freeze only when loading a lot of food; on most models it switches off automatically.

Everyday habits that matter

  • Don’t put hot food in — let it cool a little and cover it.
  • Keep door openings short, and plan what you need before opening.
  • Don’t block internal vents with food and containers.
  • Make sure the door closes tightly and the gasket is clean.
  • A moderately full freezer holds its cold better than an empty one.

Signs that need a check

If the fridge runs constantly without reaching temperature, the freezer is cold but the fridge warm, ice builds on the back wall, or you hear repeated clicking from the back, these point to a fault that needs checking — not just the heat.

A fridge running longer in summer is normal; a persistently high internal temperature is not.

Guides related to this article

Fridge not cooling Weak cooling or rising temperature. Frost build-up Frost or ice on the walls. Door not sealing Damaged gasket or misaligned door. Unusual fridge noises Clicking, humming or scraping.

FAQ

Is it normal for the fridge to run non-stop in summer?

It certainly runs longer, and inverter compressors may run at low speed for long periods. What matters is that inside temperatures stay normal.

Should I switch the fridge off when travelling in summer?

If it’s empty and can be cleaned and left open, that’s an option. If it holds food, use Vacation mode if your model has it.

Does covering the back of the fridge protect it?

No — it traps heat. The back needs ventilation, not covering.