Look to Your Refrigerator
Many of us spend a significant amount of time trying to save energy by tending to the small usage items. Turning off lights, using CFL or LED bulbs, etc.
All the while we neglect the major energy users in the home. One of which is your refrigerator.
You may not have an Energy Star refrigerator, and may not have the money or inclination to replace your perfectly good working fridge. But there are things you can do to save energy no matter what model you have.
Temperature settings in typical refrigerators have never been what I alike to call accurate. Usually a slide switch that can tend toward colder or warmer. Not very helpful. The recommended temperature for the refrigerated section is 37F to 40F and 5F for the freezer. The refrigerator temperature can be checked by placing an appliance thermometer in a glass of water and letting it sit for 24 hours. Adjust your temperature a little bit at a time until it is within the desired range. After eash adjustment let the unit sit for 24 hours before checking the temperature. Not all freezers have separate temperature control, but to check the freezer, place the thermometer between frozen items and follow the same process.
If you have a long term storage freezer, its temperature should be at zero.
You should make sure your refrigerator and freezer doors are air-tight. First inspect the seals and make sure they are clean and intact. Test them by closing the door over a piece of paper or a dollar bill so that the paper or bill is half in and half out of the refrigerator. If you can pull the paper or bill out easily, the latch may need adjustment or the seal may need replacing.
Cover liquids and wrap foods stored inthe refrigerator. Moisture makes the compressor work harder and draw more power.
You should clean the rear coils on your fridge yearly. This can be done with the brush attachment on your vacuum. Refrigerators run more efficiently with clean coils.
Regularly defrost manual-defrost refrigerators and freezers. Frost buildup increases the amount of energy needed to keep the motor running. Don’t allow frost to build up more than one-quarter of an inch.
Try to be as efficient as possible when accessing your refrigerator or freezer. Do like your mom always told you and don’t stand with the door open.
If you are in the market for a new refrigerator, look for one with automatic moisture control. Models with this feature have been engineered to prevent moisture accumulation on the cabinet exterior without the addition of a heater. And, of course, look for the Energy Star label and compare energy ratings.
