Refrigerator Energy Saving Tips

It is true that old refrigerators and freezers are some of the biggest energy users in homes.  And it is true that the new ENERGY STAR efficient appliances use at least 15% less energy than older models, with estimates of saving customers anywhere from $50 to $150 a year on their electricity bills.

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ENERGY STAR efficient appliances are offered through a government program which will soon also offer rebates subsidized by the “Stimulus Bill” (American Recovery and Reinvestment Act).  This Act will be providing $300 million to states for consumer rebates on certain selected appliances.  Each state will develop their own rebate programs, and will select which appliances they wish to include, and what rebate amounts to offer.

This sounds all well and good for people that may need a new appliance, but to me it sounds all too familiar to the recently failed government “Cash for Clunkers” program.  I’m curious how the government is going to be able to provide this money for businesses and consumers.  Will they just print another $300 million dollars for this rebate program?

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Most people I talk to are tired of our governments involvement in anything!  And I agree!  I think if our government can’t be responsible with our tax dollars, we should avoid subscribing to their fiat dollar funded programs, even if they can save us an extra fifty bucks.

In this blog post I’m going to provide  information that will help you save money by using some energy savings tips for your refrigerator, until it’s the right time for you to make another purchase.

• Check your refrigerator temperature.   Recommended temperatures are 35° to 38°F for the fresh food compartment of the refrigerator,  and 5°F for the freezer section. If you have a separate freezer for long-term storage, it should be kept at 0°F.  I offer a package which includes a thermometer, but their are many types to choose from here:  refrigerator thermometers.
  

• If you live in California, you can also turn off the “anti-sweat” or “humidity” feature due to the dry climate.  This will not have any effect on the refrigerators performance.

• Vacuum the refrigerator coils, but be sure to turn off power before doing so.  Here is a helpful online video that will help show you how this task is done.

• Check for any leaks or cracks in your refrigerator door seals, so they are airtight. Test them by closing the door over a piece of paper so it is half in and half out of the refrigerator. If you can pull the paper out easily, the door latch may need adjustment, or the seal may need replacing.  You might consider buying a new unit if this problem cannot be remedied.

• Cool hot food before putting it into the refrigerator, but no longer than 2 hours after preparation for food safety concerns.  Also, put all food back into the refrigerator at one time.  Same for removing food for meals.  Also, cover liquids and wrap foods stored in the refrigerator, as uncovered foods release moisture and make the compressor have to work harder.

• By maintaining about 2 inches of space around your refrigerator, your appliance will not have to work as hard to keep cool, as it allows enough room for heat generated by the condenser coils and compressor to freely escape.

• Position your refrigerator as far away from significant heat sources as possible.  This includes direct sunlight and heat vents, as well as heat-generating appliances such as stoves and ovens.

I hope these tips are helpful to you.  If you’re not ready to start shopping for ENERGY STAR efficient appliances, watch my blog for more helpful ways to save energy and money!

Sharon Lorraine