Having decided to buy a refrigerator, first of all we look at the appearance, technical specifications, brand, cost, size of cameras. But rarely is anyone interested in the climate class of the refrigerator. For what it is needed, what it means and how to choose it correctly, we will tell in the article.
What does climate class mean, what is it for?
The refrigerator of any model (Atlant, Bosch, Samsung) is used under certain conditions. So that it does not break, you need to choose in accordance with the climate class: the temperature range in which it will work without failures.
Important! Look at the operating temperature of the refrigerator indicated by the manufacturer. If the equipment fails due to non-compliance with the recommendations, you will be denied a free repair under warranty.
No one will take into account that you did not know the symbol designation on the refrigerator, and that the store did not help you with the right choice. Therefore, carefully read the classes before you go shopping.
What is the climate class
The weather has changed dramatically lately: in summer it is abnormally hot and in winter too cold. In order for the equipment to withstand these temperature differences, it is important to consider the range in which it can be operated.
Which climate class is better? Their designations and decoding:
Normal - N. The temperature in the room can be from +16 to +32 degrees.The most versatile and sought after in Russia, the most energy efficient models. Installation of the N refrigerator in the southern regions, where the thermometer is significantly higher than + 32 ° C, should be carried out only in rooms with air conditioning. In winter, the rooms should be well heated, otherwise the equipment will not turn on. The best models are represented by the brands LG, Indesit.
Subnormal - SN The range is from +10 to +32 degrees. Suitable for placement in rooms with low temperatures: corridors, basements, loggias, utility room. Even if the value drops below comfortable, the equipment will not stop working. The best representatives are Liebherr, Bosch, Samsung.
Subtropical (subtropical) - ST.From +18 to + 38 ° С. Designed for installation in hot and humid climates. Similar options are offered by the brands Samsung, Milli, and Electrolux.
Tropical - T. From +18 to +43 degrees. They are used in dry tropical regions with very hot climates. Suitable models are Samsung and Virpul.
The last two options are practically not delivered to the territory of Russia, since they are not too demanded in our conditions.
Due to the abnormal temperature increase, manufacturers began to produce refrigerated cabinets with double labeling. They have a sufficiently large range of permissible temperatures:
- N-ST - from +16 to +38 degrees.
- N-T - from +16 to +43 degrees.
- SN-ST - from +10 to +38 degrees.
- SN-T - from +10 to +43 degrees.
Which class to give preference
The most popular is the technique with classes N and SN; their temperature is most suitable for our latitudes. Units with the ST and T markings are often installed in the south.
"Multiclass" refrigerators are considered universal, because they can be installed in various regions. This is possible thanks to the double casing. This technique can be found in various brands:
- Whirlpool - WBC 3534 A + NFCX, WTC 3746 A + NFCX;
- Indesit - NBS 18, BIAA;
- Liebherr - Kes 4270, KBgb 3864, KB 3660.
Brands Electrolux, Bosch, LG, Miele, Sharp, Samsung, Atlant produce not only refrigerators, but also freezers.
However, here it is not without drawbacks:
- Price. Universal units are much more expensive than conventional ones.
- Increased energy consumption, condensation.
Refrigerators manufactured in Russia may differ in the marking: UHL, which means moderately cold, or O - general climate.
When choosing equipment for the climate class, consider the features of the room. Refrigerators designed for installation in heated rooms may fail in the basement or hallway.
Important! Correctly selected model for the temperature range will help save energy. And vice versa: if there is an error, the temperature difference in the room and inside the chamber will be large, which will lead to increased motor operation and the consumption of electricity.
Climate class indicators are the same for all manufacturers of refrigerators and freezers, regardless of the country of manufacture. Designations are indicated in documents (instructions) or on a sticker that is placed outside or inside the case.
The difference between different climate classes
Models may have design differences:
- Compressor power. In devices designed for installation in hot regions, the compressor capacity is greater, because it has to constantly cool food in the chamber.
- MaterialsFor humid climates, special materials and coatings are used to protect the housing from moisture and mold.
- Thermal insulation is greater in those refrigerated cabinets where the thermometer mark is much higher.
Be careful when buying equipment. Do not rush and carefully check everything, look at the symbols and recommendations of the manufacturer in the tables.