Why is it recommended to put an A4 paper in the fridge during heatwaves?

Millions of Americans are going through one of the hottest spells of the year yet, and if you’re also stress-checking the weather app every hour, you’re not alone. And while most heat hacks are about you, your AC, and your ice tray, almost no one’s talking about the one appliance that’s working overtime in your kitchen: your fridge.

A heat dome is putting your fridge to the test, too
As the U.S. prepares for the Fourth of July, a massive “heat dome” has settled over the central and eastern parts of the country this week. According to the National Weather Service, as reported by NPR, more than 102 million people are under extreme heat warnings, with another 43 million under heat watches, as of June 30, 2026.

That kind of heat doesn't merely tire you out. It also puts more pressure on your fridge. The compressor turns on more often to keep the cooler air inside, and that means it uses more electricity and puts more wear and tear on parts that aren’t meant to run nonstop. So this is a good week to check up on your fridge before your fridge gives up on you.


The one-page trick that takes 30 seconds
Good news: you don't need a repairperson or a fancy gadget to find out if your fridge door is doing its job. All you need is a blank piece of paper, the kind that’s sitting in your printer tray right now.

Here’s how it works. Open the fridge door and put the paper in halfway, halfway out, right at the point where the rubber seal meets the frame, then close the door on it. Now try to take the paper out. If you feel real resistance, your seal is doing its job. If it takes very little effort to come out, that is your sign that the seal is no longer sealing.

This is not just some random hack on the internet. The U.S. Department of Energy’s Energy Saver program says one of the easiest ways to cut down on wasted energy is to check the door seals on your refrigerator to make sure that they are airtight, and any seal that isn’t should be replaced.

Why a leaky seal costs you more than you think
A worn door seal, or gasket, does two annoying things at once. First, it lets warm air in and cold air out, which means the compressor has to run longer and more often to maintain the same temperature. Second, that extra strain shows up on your electric bill, especially during a heat wave when your fridge is already working overtime.

And it’s not just about money, either. According to the joint EPA and Department of Energy program, ENERGY STAR, your fridge should be kept at 35 to 38 degrees Fahrenheit for efficiency and food safety, and a compromised seal makes it harder to keep that temperature. ENERGY STAR also points out that a refrigerator that is older than 15 years old costs about $95 more per year to operate, since an older unit typically uses about 20 percent more energy than a newer model that has earned the ENERGY STAR label.

What to do if the paper slides right out
If your fridge fails the test, don’t panic and rush to buy a brand new one. Start simple. Keeping the coils and seals clean and well-maintained helps a refrigerator run efficiently, the Department of Energy notes, so wipe down the seal and door frame with warm water and a bit of mild dish soap to clear off crumbs, grease, and sticky residue, since dirt alone can stop a seal from closing properly. If it feels stiff, a little warm water or a few seconds with a hairdryer on low can sometimes help it flex and grip again.

If none of that works, it’s probably time to replace the gasket, which is a pretty cheap fix compared to a new fridge. And if your fridge is creeping past that 15-year mark, this might be the nudge you need to start budgeting for an upgrade.

A tiny habit that is worth keeping
You already unplugged your phone charger, turned off the lights, and avoided the thermostat wars with your roommate. Add another 30-second habit: every few months, especially before a heat wave, check the seal on your fridge. It’s free, takes less time than toasting bread, and could save you a headache and a few bucks on your electric bill later this summer.

So next time you’re digging through a junk drawer for a pen, grab a sheet of paper instead. Your wallet and your fridge will thank you for it.