How to Track Your Refrigerator's Temperature

There's nothing quite as refreshing as pulling a chilled beverage out of your fridge after a long, hard day — unless that beverage ends up being lukewarm or completely frozen. If you sometimes find frozen sour cream at the back of your fridge or if food toward the front or in the doors seems to go bad faster, your refrigerator temperature may be too low or too high.

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Why Is It Important to Know What Your Refrigerator Temperature Is?

The temperature of your fridge plays an important role in ensuring perishable foods — such as your Chinese takeout leftovers — are safe to eat. Your fridge should be kept under 40 degrees Fahrenheit to slow bacteria growth and prolong food freshness. You'll also want to ensure the temperature is above 32 degrees to keep food from freezing.

The temperature you set your fridge at can also affect your utility bills. While newer appliances are generally more efficient, keeping your fridge colder than it needs to be can result in increased energy usage.

How Do You Measure Your Fridge's Temperature?

The easiest way to measure your fridge's temperature is with a refrigerator thermometer. Basic models generally cost only a few dollars but may also be less accurate. Any thermometer you buy should say what the margin of error is. Look for one that is 2 degrees F or less to ensure it's precise enough to give you accurate results. Some refrigerators also have built-in thermometers, and in cases of smart refrigerators, you may be able to connect your phone so you can easily monitor the refrigerator temperature from a mobile device.

If you're installing a fridge thermometer yourself, place it as close to the middle of the refrigerator as possible while still being able to see it easily. Leave it for several hours — or ideally overnight — to get an accurate reading, as it can take a while for fridge thermometers to fully adjust, especially analog models.

How Do You Make Sure the Temperature Stays Consistent?

Temperature fluctuations of a few degrees are normal, especially after you've had the refrigerator doors open for a bit while deciding what sounds good as a midnight snack. But if you're noticing large swings in your fridge temp, it's a sign something could be wrong. Worn-out door seals, a malfunctioning thermostat and dirty coils are all potential reasons for inconsistent fridge temperatures.

If your fridge thermometer isn't showing a steady temp, it's probably time to call an appliance repair service. However, there are a few things you can try as a DIY solution:

• Make sure it's not overloaded. Too much food in your fridge makes it harder for the air to circulate, potentially leading to an increased temperature.

• Clear some space around the air vents. If you have too much in front of these vents, it could block cold air from entering the fridge. Check your owner's manual to determine where the air vents are located.

• Clean the coils. Dirty coils mean your fridge has to work harder to maintain temperature.

• Check the temperature settings. It's easy to bump these when taking things in and out of the fridge, and a temperature issue is sometimes easily resolved by dialing the thermostat back to the proper setting.

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What Can Happen If Your Fridge Is Too Cold or Too Warm?

If your fridge gets too warm, food can spoil. You'll have to throw out and replace groceries, which can be a significant expense. If your fridge gets too cold, it can freeze food, affecting the texture once it thaws. A refrigerator temperature setting that's too warm or too cold can also lead to higher energy bills and more wear and tear on your appliance, shortening its lifespan.