Make Your Refrigerator Consume Less Electricity With These Simple Tips

Summers are upon us and now is the time when you want your refrigerator to understand how important it is to keep perishable items cold and do so without too much energy consumption. However, usually we find that refrigerators give up on us when we need them the most. That happens because you are overlooking some simple tweaks and as a result, we have compiled this guide which you can implement at home and improve refrigerator’s performance.

8. Refrigerator Placement

Make sure that your refrigerator is placed somewhere where it is safe from heat sources. Avoid keeping it next to a microwave or stove. It needs to be away from direct sunlight as well so that it can work without any external factors affecting its efficiency . By implementing this rule, you are reducing compressor’s work load that is usually elevated to compensate for the external temperature change.

7. Leftovers

Leftovers usually go into the refrigerator and by playing smart, you can make the most of your refrigerator. Do not place hot items in fridge, rather let them cool down to room temperature and then place them inside, preferably wrapped in something to keep the heat from escaping into the fridge. Also, if any leftover is cold, then you need to put it back as soon as possible to reduce the work that the compressor will have to do to cool it again.

6. Ventilation

Your refrigerator should be placed a few inches away from the wall to allow for the ventilation to take place at the back. This ensures that the hot air flows out without getting trapped and reducing compressor’s efficiency.

5. Temperature settings

Unnecessarily cold temperature is not required; be smart and opt for a temperature that meets your requirements and does not cool down items to a level from which you need to warm them again. We suggest you set your refrigerator to 36-38 degrees F and the freezer at 0-5 degrees F.

4. The Refrigerator must be organized

An organized refrigerator is easier to use and much more efficient. It allows for the cold air to travel easily and cools down the items much quickly as compared to a crammed refrigerator.

3. Refrigerator Top

We all like to place items on top of refrigerator; don’t! No the cereal boxes have to go as well from there. Anything that is being placed on top of the refrigerator traps heat and therefore, reduces the efficiency of your refrigerator.

2. Check the Seal

The seal of your refrigerator will ensure that the cold air remains trapped inside and no hot air is able to enter the fridge. Close the door on a piece of paper or dollar bill and if you can pull it out easily then it’s about time you remove the seal. As far as maintenance of the seal is concerned; you should regularly wash it to increase its life span.

1. Clean the Condenser Coils

The condenser coils need to be cleaned a number of times every year to keep up the efficiency and you should attend to this matter once in about 2-3 months. Either use a vacuum or clean them with a cloth. Check the owner’s manual to help you with how to identify and clean the condenser coils.