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Refrigerator Energy Saver Tips
Your refrigerator requires more energy than any other household appliance. In the U.S., refrigerators use 7 percent of the nation’s total electricity. These tips can help your “fridge” run more efficiently:
  • Keep your refrigerator and freezer at the right temperature. Even if they’re only 10 degrees Fahrenheit colder than necessary, your energy consumption will go up an amazing 25 percent! Your refrigerator should be between 38 and 42 degrees Fahrenheit and the freezer between 0 and 5 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Make sure the door is tightly sealed. Check the gasket (rubber seal) for cracks and dried-on food. One easy way to test the seal is to close the door on a piece of paper and then try to pull the paper out. If it slides out easily, it’s a sure sign cold air is escaping.
  • Another way to check is the flashlight test. Place a lighted flashlight inside the refrigerator, close the door and turn out the lights in the room. A leak along the seal will show dramatically.
  • Keep the condenser coils clean. Brush or vacuum them at least twice a year to make them more energy efficient.
  • “A full frig is a good frig.” It’s better to keep your refrigerator as full as you can because food retains cold better than air. But don’t overcrowd--cold air needs to circulate.
  • Put a lid on any liquids. This will keep down humidity levels inside the refrigerator, shorten the defrosting cycle and keep food moister longer.
  • Move food you need to defrost from the freezer to the refrigerator a day before you need it. This way, the frozen food helps cool the refrigerator as it thaws, and gives your refrigerator’s motor a break.


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More Tips:

Air Condtioner
Dishwasher
Doors
Dryer
Fireplace
Heating
Iron
Lighting
Oven/Microwave
Refrigerator
Shower
Thermostat
Washer
Water Heater
Windows

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