As living standards rise， refrigerators， washing machines， and air conditioners have become standard in every household. However， even the most high-end appliances， if used improperly， can affect their performance， shorten their lifespan， and even pose safety risks. Today， we focus on three common large appliances – refrigerators， washing machines， and air conditioners – to identify their common usage mistakes and guide you on how to use them more safely and efficiently.
Refrigerators: Chilling Requires a Method
The refrigerator is arguably an essential appliance in every home， yet common usage mistakes are more prevalent than you might imagine.
Placing Hot Food Directly into the Refrigerator
Many families habitually place freshly cooked hot food directly into the refrigerator for chilling. This is a scientifically unsound practice. Hot food raises the internal temperature of the refrigerator， forcing the compressor to work harder to cool it down. This not only wastes electricity but also increases the temperature of surrounding food， thereby raising the risk of bacterial growth. The correct approach is to let food cool down to room temperature before refrigerating or freezing it.
Overfilling the Refrigerator Affects Cooling
To save space， many people tend to stuff their refrigerators to the brim. However， this obstructs cold air circulation， leading to uneven cooling. Food in the lower sections of the refrigerator may remain at a higher temperature， while temperature fluctuations within the freezer compartment increase. It is recommended to arrange food items reasonably， leaving space for air circulation. This allows for uniform temperatures in all sections of the refrigerator， saving energy and preserving freshness.
No Zoning or Random Placement
Many people may purchase ingredients that do not require long-term storage and are intended for consumption on the same day. For convenience， they might place raw meat， seafood， cooked food， and fruits and vegetables together on the same shelf， without proper sealing. However， bacteria from raw foods can easily contaminate cooked foods， leading to cross-contamination. This can result in food spoilage， or in more severe cases， gastrointestinal issues. The correct practice is to store raw and cooked foods separately， preferably using sealed containers or bags to prevent cross-contamination and odor transfer， thus preserving the original flavor of the food.
Insufficient Space for Back and Side Heat Dissipation
Not only do the condenser coils on the back of the refrigerator require regular cleaning， but the refrigerator itself also needs a certain distance from the wall. At least 5 to 10 centimeters of space should be maintained at the back and sides of the refrigerator to ensure smooth heat dissipation. This prevents the compressor from working overtime， leading to more efficient refrigeration and a longer lifespan for the appliance.
Failure to Clean Back Condenser Coils
If the condenser coils on the back of the refrigerator accumulate dust over time， it will affect heat dissipation efficiency and increase the load on the compressor. Regularly cleaning the dust with a soft brush or vacuum cleaner is an important step to extend the lifespan of your refrigerator.
Washing Machines: Beyond Washing Clothes， the Machine Itself Needs Cleaning
Washing machines are a cleaning marvel in every household， but they also come with their share of common usage mistakes.
Overloading the Drum
Many people tend to stuff a week’s worth of laundry into the drum at once， believing it saves time. In reality， exceeding the rated capacity increases the load on the motor and bearings， leading to accelerated wear and tear， while also reducing washing effectiveness. For front-loading washing machines， it is recommended to wash 3 to 8 kilograms of clothes at a time. Top-loading washing machines， while slightly more adaptable， should also not be consistently overloaded.
Misuse of High Temperature or Extra-Long Wash Cycles
Some users prefer to use the highest temperature or the longest wash cycle to clean their clothes， believing it results in a more thorough clean. Excessive use not only increases electricity consumption but can also damage fabric fibers. Delicate items like wool and silk should be washed on corresponding low-temperature or gentle cycles.
Excessive Use of Detergent and Fabric Softener
Using too much detergent can lead to residue on clothes， increasing the risk of skin irritation and allowing dirt to accumulate inside the washing machine. Overuse of fabric softener can also create oily deposits in the drum and pipes， affecting washing performance. It is recommended to strictly follow the dosage instructions on the product label.
Neglecting Washing Machine Cleaning
Many people overlook the cleaning of the washing machine’s interior. Prolonged neglect of drum， drain pipe， or filter cleaning can lead to the accumulation of mold and odors， negatively impacting laundry cleanliness. Regularly running the machine’s self-cleaning cycle or using specific cleaning agents are essential for maintaining hygiene and wash performance.
Air Conditioners: Comfort， but Also Scientific Usage
Air conditioners are essential appliances for staying cool in the summer and warm in the winter. However， usage mistakes can quietly increase energy consumption and equipment wear.
Frequent Switching On and Off
Many people tend to turn the air conditioner on and off as needed. However， frequent starts and stops increase the load on the compressor and shorten its lifespan. For short periods of non-use， it is advisable to use the standby mode instead of completely shutting it down， especially for long-term operating heating and cooling air conditioners.
Improper Temperature Settings
Setting the air conditioner temperature too low or too high not only wastes electricity but can also create excessive indoor temperature differences， leading to physical discomfort. For summer， it is recommended to set the room temperature around 26°C (79°F)， and for winter， between 20°C and 22°C (68°F to 72°F) is ideal for both comfort and energy saving.
Ignoring Filter and Outdoor Unit Cleaning
Neglecting to clean the air conditioner’s filter for extended periods affects airflow and cooling/heating efficiency. If the outdoor unit is covered in dust or the environment is humid， it can also impair heat dissipation efficiency， increasing the load on the compressor. Regularly cleaning the filters and ensuring the outdoor unit is well-ventilated and dry are key to extending the lifespan of your air conditioner.
Conclusion: Correct Usage Extends Lifespan
Refrigerators， washing machines， and air conditioners are all crucial appliances in family life. Correct usage not only ensures their functionality but also extends their lifespan. Controlling washing machine capacity， properly cooling refrigerator contents， maintaining appropriate air conditioner temperature settings， and regular cleaning and maintenance are seemingly minor actions that are actually critical for extending the usability of your appliances and ensuring the safety and comfort of your home.
No matter how high-end your appliances are， they cannot withstand improper use. Mastering these usage habits can save you trouble and money， allowing your appliances to truly deliver their value and making your life more relaxed and comfortable.
