5 Ways to Reduce Your Refrigerator's Energy Usage

If you are like most Americans, you are looking for any way you can to conserve energy. Whether it is to save your money or the environment, we are always looking for opportunities to consume less energy. Many times, this leads to us doing things like turning off the AC on a hot day, but there is a way to cut your electricity bill without sacrificing your comfort.

In the average home, the refrigerator accounts for roughly 20% of your electricity consumption – follow these five tips to lessen that number.

1. Minimize door opening. Every time you open your refrigerator door, as much as 40% of the cold air can escape – this number is even higher if you stand there with the door open looking for something to eat (we all do it). If you are preparing a meal that requires multiple refrigerated ingredients, take them all out in one trip to minimize how long your door stays open.

2. Vacuum the condenser coils. When is the last time you cleaned your refrigerator's condenser coils? These winding tubes are located on the back of the fridge and are a critical component for your energy-efficiency. These coils can become coated with dust and hair, so make sure to clean them every 3-6 months with your vacuum cleaner's brush attachment.

3. Defrost when needed. Many new models are auto-defrosting, but if yours isn't, you will need to take the time to do this yourself. As the inside walls of your freezer become covered in ice, you not only lose storage space, but energy-efficiency as well. You can use a hair dryer to defrost your freezer, or unplug it overnight until the ice melts.

4. Give it some space. As your refrigerator cools your food, it releases heat through vents in the back. If it is too close to the wall, cabinets, or other appliances, it cannot effectively cool down, and you will see the result of this in your monthly energy bill. Leave at least six inches of space on all sides to ensure adequate ventilation.

5. Let your hot food cool. Got a plate of future leftovers fresh out of the oven? Let it sit out and cool off for 30-45 minutes before putting it in your refrigerator. Putting hot foot straight into the fridge warms up other food around it, which can cause premature spoiling of foods in addition to higher energy consumption and extra wear-and-tear on your compressor.

If your refrigerator is malfunctioning, it could also cause a spike in your electricity bill. If you suspect that your refrigerator is not operating properly, give the repair experts at Speedy Refrigerator Service a call. We have been fixing fridges, freezers, ice makers, and wine coolers across Long Island for more than 75 years – any make or model! Our lines are always open, call us any time to schedule a same-day appointment at 866-782-9376.

Energy Saving Tips for Your Refrigerator

Refrigerators are the only household appliance that runs 24/7, which causes them to be a major factor on your monthly energy bill. Even with an Energy Star-certified model, your electricity bill can start to creep up if you do not take proper precautions. Use the following five tips to keep your refrigerator cold and your energy bill low.

Clean the condenser coils

Cleaning the condenser coils every six months is a staple in a refrigerator's maintenance plan, similar to changing the oil of your car. These coils are usually located at the back of the unit, and can become coated in a thick layer of dust, animal hair, and other grime. When this happens, the condenser must work harder and consume more energy.

Test seal strength

Your refrigerator's gasket is the rubber seal located on the inside perimeter of the door. This seal is responsible for keeping cold air in the refrigerator and warm air out. Unfortunately, the gasket is usually one of the refrigerator's first components to wear down. To test yours, close your refrigerator door on a dollar bill. If you can easily slide the dollar up and down or remove it, you should replace the gasket immediately to improve your energy efficiency.

Keep Your Fridge Full, but Not Too Full

Keeping your refrigerator full will help it retain its temperature better when the door is opened, because the different foods acts as insulators to keep each other cold. On the other hand, keeping your refrigerator too full can hinder air circulation and lead to warm spots.

Keep Your Refrigerator Away From Heat Sources

Logically, this tip makes perfect sense. If your refrigerator is located near your stove, it will heat up when the stove turns on, and the compressor will have to work twice as hard to keep the inside cool. Other heat sources to avoid include your dishwasher and direct sun from a window or skylight.

Let Hot Food Cool Down

Allow hot food to cool down before sticking it in the refrigerator. Putting in items that are fresh out of the oven will cause the food around it and the entire interior of the fridge to warm up, which in turn causes the refrigerator to use higher amounts of energy to cool back down.

If your electricity bill still isn't going down and you suspect your refrigerator is to blame, there may be a more serious issue at hand. If you live in Long Island or New York City, you can count on 24/7 Refrigerator Repair to get you up-and-running at any time of the day. Our expert technicians keep fully-stocked trucks, which allows them to make most repairs in the comfort of your own home on the same day you call. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call us at 866-782-9376.