Energy-Efficient Refrigerator Tips to Cut Power Bills
Upon its introduction, the refrigerator claimed the title of the highest energy consumer in the average household. Fortunately, times have changed. Every year, refrigerators become more intelligent, more attuned to our lifestyles, and increasingly energy-efficient.
As energy costs continue to rise in many areas, consumers still have some control over their electricity bills. Energy Star, a collaborative initiative of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the DOE, steers consumers toward top-tier, cost-effective home products and practices.
Beyond its roster of Energy Star-endorsed refrigerators, the program suggests beneficial habits and strategies for energy-saving refrigerator use.
- Avoid setting your refrigerator or freezer to excessively low temperatures. Ideal temperatures are 35°-38°F for the fresh food section and 0° F for standalone freezers for prolonged storage.
- Ensure the seals of your refrigerator door are leak-proof. Test this by positioning a piece of paper or a dollar bill so it's partly inside and outside the refrigerator when the door closes. If extracting the paper or bill is a breeze, it may be time for a latch adjustment, a new seal, or a replacement refrigerator.
- Do memories of your mother or grandmother dedicating an entire day to defrosting the refrigerator ring a bell? Don't forget those unexpected "discoveries" behind old condiment jars. Channel this energy and periodically defrost manual refrigerators and freezers. To optimize energy efficiency, curb frost accumulation to less than ¼ inch.
- You've likely heard the age-old advice against introducing hot food directly into the fridge lest something dreadful occur. While you should avoid placing scalding hot containers in the refrigerator, allow foods to cool slightly—not to room temperature—before refrigerating to sidestep undue electricity consumption.
- In the event of a power outage, refrain from opening the refrigerator and freezer doors to conserve the cold air. Generally, a refrigerator will maintain its temperature for about 4 hours if left unopened.
- A crammed freezer isn't efficient. For optimal freezing, ensure cool air can flow freely around stored items.