Refrigerator Energy Saving Tips

EnergyGuide & ENERGY STAR

Home appliances have become far more energy efficient in the last decade. With new refrigerators, the best energy savings will be from an ENERGY STAR label unit. ENERGY STAR fridges are required to use at least 15% less energy than federal regulations demand, and 40% less energy than conventional units sold in 2001 or earlier. That could mean saving as much as $15 a month in energy costs compared to a 2001 model.

Not all refrigerators receive an ENERGY STAR label, but they do have an EnergyGuide label. This label states how many kilowatt-hours of electricity (kWh) the appliance will use in one year, as well as its estimated operating cost.

Choose energy saving features

When buying a new refrigerator, being feature smart can save you money. A refrigerator with the freezer on top rather than beside the food compartment will cut your energy costs by as much as 25%. Instead of buying a model with an anti-sweat heater, an automatic moisture control will prevent moisture buildup without the cost of running a heater.

Use moderate settings

Avoid operating your refrigerator at the extreme margins of the safe temperature range for preserving food. For example, keep your refrigerator freezer set to 5 degrees F rather than 0 degrees F. The fresh food compartment can be maintained at 38 degrees F rather than 36 degrees F or colder.

Keep condenser coils clean

Dirty condenser coils are one of the leading causes of energy inefficiency with home refrigerators, particularly in households with pets. The condenser is typically located in back of the fridge near the floor. We recommend removing the coverplate and vacuuming around the coils every 3 to 6 months as necessary. While you're at it, you can also clean the air intake grill below the refrigerator door.

Don't garage your old refrigerator

Running two refrigerators is not going to save you money, particularly if one of them is an older, less efficient unit. Most municipalities have refrigerator disposal and recycling programs that you can take advantage of to get rid of your old appliance in an environmentally safe manner.

Develop energy efficient refrigerator habits

Most families have at least one member who likes to stand with the refrigerator door open and browse through the contents in search of snacks. Open doors make refrigerators work a lot harder, so keep the fridge surfing to a minimum, or stock up on dry snacks that can be stored in kitchen cabinets.