Energy-saving refrigerators and freezers

Location, location, location

The location of your refrigerator and freezer can make a big difference in the running time and energy usage. Placing your refrigerator and freezer out of direct sunlight in an air-conditioned area instead of the garage and keeping it away from an outside door or other appliances that heat – such as a stove – will reduce the amount of time the unit has to run to keep food cold.

Other no-cost opportunities to save

• Check the gasket that creates a seal around the door. If it doesn’t seal completely, cold air is escaping and the motor is working harder.
• Keep the doors closed as much as possible.
• Remove and return as much food at one time as possible.
• Leave space for air circulation between items.
• Allow hot foods to cool before placing them in the refrigerator or freezer.
• Thaw frozen foods in the refrigerator instead of on the counter so they will help cool the refrigerator as they thaw.
• Set the temperature between 38° F and 42° F in the refrigerator and 0° F in the freezer.
• Keep your freezer two-thirds to three-fourths full for more efficient operation. You can use bottles of water to help fill the empty space.
• Don’t allow frost to exceed one-quarter inch for manual defrost.
• Clean the condenser coils at least twice a year.

If your refrigerator was made prior to 1987, upgrading to a modern, energy-efficient fridge with the Energy Star label could save you as much as 70 percent energy usage per year for your refrigerator.*

*Source: www.energystar.gov dated 6/19/08