Recently, many consumers have been sharing a simple trick using just a single A4 sheet of paper to immediately detect heat leaks - the culprit behind uncontrollable electricity bills.

It may seem like a small detail that few people pay attention to, but the rubber gasket on the refrigerator door plays a crucial role in maintaining cooling efficiency and saving energy. Recently, many consumers have been sharing a simple trick with just an A4 sheet of paper to detect heat leaks right away - the main reason for soaring electricity costs.

A Small Paper, A Big Impact

The refrigerator operates 24/7 in every household. However, not everyone knows that the door gasket - the rubber lining around the door edge - if loose or damaged, causes cold air to escape, forcing the fridge to run continuously to maintain a stable temperature. The result is higher electricity costs, compressor overload, and reduced appliance lifespan.

An extremely effective yet simple way to identify this problem is by using a piece of paper to test the door seal. This method is recommended by refrigeration experts because it’s easy, cost-free, and yields accurate results.

How to Check the Refrigerator Door Gasket Using Paper

To perform the test, all you need is a plain sheet of white paper (A4 or printer paper):

• Preparation: Fold the paper in half to make it thicker, making it easier to test the grip strength. The fridge door should be normally closed and not overloaded with food.

• Testing: Open the door, place the paper between the gasket and the fridge frame so that half of the paper is inside and half outside, then gently close the door.

• Pull the Paper: Slowly pull the paper out.
  
  -  If the paper is held firmly, difficult to pull, or tears, the gasket is still functioning well and maintaining a tight seal.
  
  -  If the paper slips out easily with no resistance, the gasket might be loose, cracked, or damaged, causing cold air leakage.
  
  -  Repeat this test at multiple spots around the door - top, bottom, and sides - to inspect the entire gasket.

Why Is the Door Gasket Important?

Energy-saving studies show that a fridge with a tight gasket can consume 15-20% less electricity than one with a leaking seal. 

What to Do If You Find a Loose Gasket

If the paper test shows that the gasket no longer seals properly, you can temporarily fix it at home before calling a professional:

• Clean the Gasket: Dirt, grease, or food residues can weaken the gasket’s grip. Use a soft cloth soaked in warm water mixed with mild soap to clean it, then dry thoroughly.

• Restore the Gasket Shape: If the gasket is slightly deformed, use a hairdryer on medium heat to warm it evenly for 2-3 minutes, making the rubber soft and elastic again. Then close the door and test again with the paper.

• Replace the Gasket if Needed: If the gasket is torn, peeling, or hardened, it’s best to replace it. Replacement costs range from 200,000 to 600,000 VND depending on the fridge type, which is much cheaper than repairing or buying a new fridge.

Additional Tips to Optimize Fridge Performance

Besides regular gasket checks, you can apply some simple tips to improve fridge efficiency and save electricity:

• Set Proper Temperatures: Keep the fridge compartment at 2-5°C and freezer at -18°C. Avoid setting temperatures lower than necessary to save energy and prevent food from drying out.

• Avoid Overloading: Leave space for cold air to circulate evenly inside the fridge.

• Don’t Keep the Door Open Too Long: Every time the door opens, cold air escapes. Close it promptly after retrieving food.

• Clean the Condenser Coil Periodically: Dust buildup on the coils at the back or bottom reduces cooling efficiency and increases power consumption. Clean at least twice a year.

• Seal Food Properly: Use containers with lids, zip bags, or cling wrap to prevent moisture loss.

The refrigerator door gasket is not a part that breaks often but can easily be neglected during use. By simply testing it every 3-6 months with a piece of paper, you can detect problems early and proactively fix them, avoiding unexplained spikes in your electricity bill.