Buying a New Refrigerator or Freezer

When purchasing a new refrigerator, look for units with magnetically sealing doors, automatic defrost, and automatic moisture control. These features increase the efficiency of your refrigerator or freezer. Compare models and brands and read their energy usage labelling to determine the most efficient unit for the size category within which you are looking. Combination refrigerator and freezer units with the freezer on top are more efficient than the side-by-side design. Chest freezers are also more efficient than standing ones.

Make The Refrigerator or Freezer You Have More Efficient

Some tips to improve your refrigerator’s energy efficiency:

1. Adjust the temperature of your refrigerator. Your fridge should be 37 - 40 degrees Fahrenheit, and your freezer should stay between 0 and 5 degrees Fahrenheit. To test the refrigerator temperature, use a thermometer in a glass of water or placed between two frozen items in your freezer. Check it after 24 hours for an accurate temperature reading.
2. Remove frost build up when it gets thicker than a quarter of an inch if your refrigerator or freezer doesn’t have an automatic defrost function. That layer of frost makes your fridge work harder and, therefore, it uses more energy.
3. Turn off the “anti-sweat” heater on your refrigerator. This is a small heater that removes condensation from the outside walls of the unit. Only use this heater if you actually get water dripping down the outer walls. Some units have a “power saver” switch that turns this heater off. Not all refrigerators are equipped with this, so if your owner’s manual doesn’t mention it, then don’t worry about it.
4. Minimize moisture in your refrigerator. Moisture means more work for the compressor motor that cools your fridge. Cover food and liquids with foil or put them in airtight containers. An open box of baking powder not only helps remove some of the moisture but removes bad smells as well.
5. Keep your freezer as full as possible, even if that means you have to put a couple bags of ice in there. A full freezer retains the cold better than an empty one.
6. Position your refrigerator or freezer in a cool, shaded place. Avoid windows, stoves, and dishwashers. Heat is bad, right?
7. Make sure the door is sealing properly. To test the door seal, close the door on a dollar bill and see if you can pull the bill out easily or if it stays in place. A tight seal will make that bill stick tightly. If it wiggles or pulls out easily, you may need to replace the door seal.

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