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Having decided to buy a refrigerator, first of all we look at the appearance, technical characteristics, brand, cost, dimensions of the chambers. But rarely anyone is interested in the climate class of the refrigerator. What it is for, what it means and how to choose it correctly, we will tell in the article.
What does climate class mean, why is it needed
A refrigerator of any model (Atlant, Bosch, Samsung) is operated under certain conditions. So that it does not break, you need to choose in accordance with the climatic class: the temperature range in which it will work without failure.
Important! Look at the operating temperature of the refrigerator, which is 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 designation of the symbols on the refrigerator, and that the store did not help you with the right choice. So read the classes carefully before you go shopping.
What is the climate class
The weather has been changing dramatically lately: it is abnormally hot in summer and too cold in winter. In order for the equipment to withstand these temperature changes, it is important to consider the range in which it can be operated.
Which climate class is best? Their designations and decoding:
Normal (normal) – N. The temperature in the room can be from +16 to +32 degrees. The most versatile and popular in Russia, the most energy efficient models. The installation of the refrigerator N in the southern regions, where the thermometer mark is much higher than + 32 ° C, should be carried out only in rooms with air conditioning. In winter, the rooms must be well heated, otherwise the equipment will not turn on. The best models are represented by brands LG, Indesit.
Subnormal (subnormal) – SN. Range – from +10 to +32 degrees. Suitable for placement in rooms with a low temperature: corridors, basements, loggias, utility rooms. Even if the value drops below comfortable, the technique 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, Electrolux.
Tropical (tropical) – T. From +18 to +43 degrees. They are used in dry tropical regions with a very hot climate. Suitable Samsung and Whirlpool models.
The last two options are practically not delivered to the territory of Russia, since they are not very in demand in our conditions.
Due to the abnormal rise in temperatures, manufacturers have begun to produce double-labeled refrigerated cabinets. They have a fairly large range of permissible temperatures:
- N-ST – from +16 to +38 degrees.
- NT – from +16 to +43 degrees.
- SN-ST – from +10 to +38 degrees.
- SN-T – from +10 to +43 degrees.
Which class do you prefer?
The most popular is the equipment with classes N and SN, their temperature is most suitable for our latitudes. In the south, units marked ST and T are often installed.
“Multi-class” refrigerators are considered universal because they can be installed in different regions. This is possible thanks to the double skin of the hull. 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.
The brands Electrolux, Bosch, LG, Miele, Sharp, Samsung, Atlant produce not only refrigerators, but also freezers.
However, this is not without its drawbacks:
- Price. Universal units are much more expensive than conventional ones.
- Increased power consumption, condensation.
Refrigerators produced in Russia may differ in marking: UHL, which means moderately cold, or O – general climatic.
When choosing equipment according to the climate class, consider the features of the room. Refrigerators designed for installation in heated rooms can fail in the basement or hallway.
Important! A model that is correctly selected for the temperature range will help save energy. And vice versa: in case of an error, the temperature difference in the room and inside the chamber will be large, which will lead to increased motor operation and electricity consumption.
The climate class indicators are the same for all manufacturers of refrigerators and freezers, regardless of the country of manufacture. The designations are indicated in the 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 appliances designed for installation in hot regions, the compressor has more power, because it has to constantly cool the products in the chamber.
- Materials. For 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 designations and recommendations of the manufacturer in the tables.