Yes, leaving things in the fridge can help with cooling down time, especially if the items you put in are already cold. Here's why:
Thermal Mass: The items you place in the fridge act as thermal mass. When you open the fridge door, some of the cold air inside escapes and is replaced with warmer air from the room. The more thermal mass you have inside the fridge, the longer it will take for the temperature to rise. Cold items in the fridge help absorb some of the heat and stabilize the internal temperature more quickly.
Reduced Air Space: A fridge with a lot of empty space inside will have more air that needs to be cooled down when you open the door. By having items inside the fridge, you reduce the volume of air that needs to be chilled when the door is closed again.
Efficient Cooling: When you put warm or room-temperature items into the fridge, the refrigerator's cooling system has to work harder to bring them down to the desired temperature. If you add already cold items, the cooling system won't need to work as hard, and the overall cooling process will be more efficient.
Food Safety: Leaving perishable items in the fridge ensures that they stay at a safe temperature, reducing the risk of food spoilage and potential foodborne illnesses.
However, it's essential not to overload the fridge with too many items, as that could hinder proper airflow and cooling efficiency. Ensure that there's enough space for the cool air to circulate around the items inside.
It's worth mentioning that leaving the fridge door open for an extended period while organizing items can counteract the benefits of having cold items inside. Try to minimize the time the door remains open to maintain the fridge's efficiency and prevent unnecessary energy consumption.