Refrigerators can be big energy users, so it pays to keep yours in top condition. Here are some tips from the California Energy Commission’s Consumer Energy Center:
– Leave space between the refrigerator and the wall or cabinets so air can circulate around the condenser coils.
– Keep the refrigerator coils clean by brushing or vacuuming them(unplug the fridge first.)
– Test door seals by closing the door on a dollar and trying to pull it out. If the dollar slides out easily, replace the seals.
– Keep the refrigerator temperature between 35 and 38 degrees F and the freezer at 0.
A fridge that’s 10 degrees colder than necessary can use 25 percent more energy.
– Keep the refrigerator full but not overfilled. The mass of cold items lets the refrigerator recover more quickly after the door is opened. If the fridge is nearly empty, store water-filled containers inside.
– Open the door as little as possible, and close it quickly
from Akron Beacon Journal
Mary Beth Breckenridge
Conserv-A-Store
A Conserv-A-Store associate recently replaced an older fridge with a new Energy Star model and immediately realized a $20/mos savings on their power bill. @ $240/year savings, does not take long to pay for the new fridge