Method for operating a refrigerator appliance

Abstract

A method for operating a refrigerator appliance is provided. The method includes selecting a higher humidity setting or a lower humidity setting. A fan of the refrigerator appliance is operated in a first manner if the higher humidity setting is selected, and the fresh food fan is operated in a second, different manner if the lower humidity setting is selected. The method can assist with regulating humidity within a chilled chamber of the refrigerator appliance.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present subject matter relates generally to refrigerator appliances, such refrigerator appliances with dual evaporators, and methods for operating the same.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Generally, refrigerator appliances include a cabinet that defines a chilled chamber, such as a fresh food chamber, for receipt of food items for storage. Certain conditions within the chilled chamber can affect a shelf life of food items therein. In particular, a humidity level of an atmosphere within the chilled chamber can affect the shelf life of food items within the chilled chamber.[0003]Regulating humidity within the chilled chamber can extend the shelf life of food items stored therein. However, regulating the humidity of the atmosphere within the chilled chamber can be difficult. For example, the atmosphere within the chilled chamber is often relatively dry, e.g., due to condensation of water vapor on an evaporator of the refrigerator's cooling system. Thus,...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides a method for operating a refrigerator appliance that regulates humidity within a chilled chamber of the refrigerator. The method includes selecting between a higher humidity setting or a lower humidity setting. The fresh food fan of the refrigerator appliance is operated at a higher speed if the higher humidity setting is selected and at a lower speed if the lower humidity setting is selected. Additionally, the method allows for adjusting the humidity level within the fresh food chamber to a higher or lower level depending on the selected humidity setting. This invention helps to better control the humidity, improving the storage and preservation of food items within the refrigerator.

Problems solved by technology

In particular, a humidity level of an atmosphere within the chilled chamber can affect the shelf life of food items within the chilled chamber.

However, regulating the humidity of the atmosphere within the chilled chamber can be difficult.

Such evaporation can spoil the food items or otherwise render them unusable.

However, such components are expensive and can be difficult to operate.

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