For many years, humans tried various ways to preserve their food in order to survive. They spiced, cured, sealed, pickled, and salted their food, yet none of those methods sufficed in broad applications. In 1805, Oliver Evans came up with a refrigerator design that would be powered by vapor. And despite Evans designing the machine, he never built on his idea. Jacob Perkins made some changes to the original ideas of Evans in 1835 and got a patent for an “apparatus of building ice.”
Since then, the system providing mechanical refrigeration has swept through America and the world. Refrigeration was mainly used for commercial purposes before it made its way into the domestic space. By the 1920s, domestic units were made and installed in US homes, changing how Americans preserved their foods forever.
Refrigerators are an essential invention in the modern world. Meats, dairy goods, and other perishable items can now be preserved for long periods. The technology cools products to 40 degrees Fahrenheit, eliminating the growth of bacteria that would quickly multiply in warmer temperatures. That aside, food preparation has less strain, and people can lead more productive and easier lives thanks to refrigerators. Here are some fun facts you did not know about fridges.
Home Refrigeration Has Been in Use for a Century
If you ever find yourself without power in your house, you will know how keeping food in the fridge cold is a necessity. Now, imagine what it was like living in a home without a refrigerator. Warm months in summer meant that families would gamble with the consumption of safe food, and any low-income families could not afford ice. best and less
Thankfully, in 1927, there was the invention of the domestic fridge. Seventeen years later, 85% of Americans would own these fridges. The appliances that came out in the ‘50s brought a wave of technological advancements that would keep customers intrigued for years to come.
Today, the modern fridge is a kitchen appliance that combines new aesthetics with up-to-date energy efficiency. Also, most of the fridges come with unique features. One of the latest designs is the knock knock fridge. With two knocks, you get to see what is in the compartment without ever opening the door. Thus, you lower cold air loss to keep food for longer.
Nearly Everyone in the US owns a Fridge
In the pre-industrial age, ice houses were the go-to fridges. Serves of the manor would go to a nearby frozen shallow water and hack at the ice until it was in large slabs. The ice would be then carried painfully to the ice houses to be stored with layers of sacking and straws, in-between food.
By contrast, refrigeration is easy today. The latest government data shows almost all homes in America have at least one refrigerator. On the other hand, the US poverty rate is estimated to be 13.5% by the US Census Bureau. This means that even those described as poor by the government have access to fridges, a technology that was a preserve of the rich years ago. In addition, about 25% of Americans have two refrigerators to store the excess food that they have.
Modern Fridges Are More Energy Efficient
The appliances you buy have a significant impact on your energy bill. wegmans They run so frequently that their energy bills become fixed expenses for years to come. But today’s appliances, the fridge in particular, have become more energy efficient than before, costing less and less.
Federal standards are updated constantly to ensure refrigerators of specific sizes use lower energy amounts and manufacturers use new technologies to meet these standards. You can replace an old refrigerator with a newer model to save money. Look for those that are ENERGY STAR-rated to take advantage of the gain in efficiency.
Refrigerators Are Among the Longest Lasting Appliances
According to the US Department of Energy, the average lifespan of a refrigerator is about 12 years. The number might vary depending on the type you buy and the upkeep of the appliance. While a faulty fridge can break down in months, a well-kept one can last up to 20 years. Overall, you might live through several TVs in the timeframe of your refrigerator.
Refrigerators Have Changed the Society
It is not an exaggeration to say that the fridge has considerably changed culture and society by improving the quality of life. Fridges have made food preservation so much easier and allow people to have access to better foods. Refrigerators allow trade and commerce between countries, with refrigerated foods being transported at every time.
Wrapping Up
The engineering, science, and application of cooling is at the heart of modern life. It makes hot conditions habitable, allowing for the delivery and storage of fresh food. Fridges also store medication and thus are vital in healthcare. Today, there are various kinds of fridges in the market, from traditional models to modern ones that are more energy efficient. No matter your type, this is a fantastic piece of history that has come a long way since its inception.
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