A refrigerator and an air conditioner are both cooling appliances, but they are designed for different purposes, and using a refrigerator as an air conditioner or vice versa is not recommended.
Using a Refrigerator as an Air Conditioner: While a refrigerator cools the contents inside by removing heat from them, it is not designed to cool a larger space like an air conditioner. The cooling capacity of a refrigerator is much lower than that of an air conditioner, and attempting to use a refrigerator to cool a room or space would not be efficient. Additionally, running a refrigerator with its door open for extended periods to cool a room would consume a lot of energy and put unnecessary strain on the refrigerator's components, potentially leading to premature wear and damage.
Putting Refrigerated Food in an Air Conditioner: Placing refrigerated food inside an air conditioner is not recommended and could be hazardous. Air conditioners are not designed to store food, and doing so can compromise the efficiency and functionality of the air conditioning system. Moreover, the humidity and condensation produced by the air conditioner could create an unsanitary environment for the food, leading to potential contamination and spoilage.
It's essential to use appliances for their intended purposes to ensure safety, efficiency, and longevity. If you need cooling for a room or space, it is best to use a properly designed and sized air conditioner. If you have perishable food items that require refrigeration, use a refrigerator designed specifically for that purpose.
When using a refrigerator to store food, ensure that it maintains the appropriate temperature range for food safety. The refrigerator should be set to keep food at or below 40°F (4°C), and the freezer should be set to 0°F (-18°C). Avoid leaving the refrigerator door open for extended periods to prevent unnecessary energy consumption.
If you are concerned about cooling costs and energy efficiency, consider using a programmable thermostat or a fan to circulate cool air in the room. Additionally, ensure proper insulation and sealing of doors and windows to keep the cool air inside and reduce the workload on your air conditioning system.