The rubber seals, also known as gaskets, of a refrigerator door can become warm or even hot in some cases when the fridge is running. This phenomenon is primarily due to a combination of factors related to the operation and design of the refrigerator:
Compressor heat: Refrigerators use a compressor to circulate refrigerant and remove heat from the interior of the fridge. During this process, the compressor generates heat as it compresses the refrigerant. Some of this heat can transfer to the surrounding components, including the door gaskets.
Insulation: The door gaskets are typically made of rubber or similar materials and are designed to create an airtight seal when the refrigerator door is closed. To maintain the desired temperature inside the fridge, the gaskets prevent warm air from entering and cold air from escaping. However, because of their location between the warm ambient environment and the cool interior, the gaskets can absorb and transfer some of the heat from the exterior to the interior.
Heat transfer: Heat can transfer through conduction, where it moves from a warmer object to a cooler object in direct contact. The warm air outside the refrigerator can transfer heat to the gaskets, and the rubber material can conduct that heat to the inner side of the door.
It's worth noting that the temperature of the gaskets may vary depending on factors such as the efficiency of the refrigerator's insulation, the duration the fridge has been running, and the ambient temperature of the room. In some cases, if the gaskets are excessively hot or the temperature inside the refrigerator is not being maintained properly, it could indicate an issue with the refrigerator's cooling system or the gaskets themselves. In such situations, it's advisable to have the fridge inspected or serviced by a qualified technician.