How Does a Refrigerator Door Work?
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Interior Insulation
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Refrigerators work from the inside out, and the insulation in the lining of the door helps to maintain the internal temperature. The cooling system of the refrigerator is not meant to constantly blow out cold air, but to cycle on and off, so it's important to keep the air inside as cold as possible.
Tight Seal
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Insulation is not enough to keep cold air from escaping, however. This is where an ingenious, inexpensive and highly important piece comes into play: the gasket. The door gasket is a rubber strip on the inside of the refrigerator door that can usually be seen from the ouside. The gasket creates a tight seal when the door closes, to keep cold air from getting out.
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Hinges
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Another essential part of the door's operation is the hinges. The hinges help the door align properly when it closes, so the build of the door doesn't get in the way. Refrigerator doors generally protrude on the interior to make space for food, but the door's protrusion can also help block cold air.
Light Switch
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A refrigerator door also controls the interior light. The light switch is usually located close to the door on the inside of the refrigerator, so that when the door closes it pushes the switch and the light goes out. When the door is reopened, the switch immediately pops back out to turn on the light.
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- Photo Credit readman
