Did you know your refrigerator may use about 10% of your total electric bill? With one appliance using that much energy, here are some simple steps to help keep your bill down and your fridge working well.
Clean the coils.
Experts suggest cleaning the coils under your fridge at least once a year. Before you start, unplug the fridge and gently brush or vacuum the coils. This may improve efficiency by up to 30%.
Set the right temperatures.
Your fridge should be around 37°F, and your freezer at 0°F. Colder settings make your fridge work harder and may use more energy. Keep in mind, many refrigerators don’t let you set exact temperatures, and digital displays aren’t always accurate. Using an appliance thermometer can help you check the real temperature inside.
Keep your kitchen cool.
Try to keep the room where your fridge sits below 70°F. According to Consumer Reports, for every degree above that, your fridge may use about 2.5% more energy. So, if your kitchen is 75°F, your fridge could be using around 12.5% more energy than it would at 70°F.
Give your fridge some space.
Make sure there’s at least two inches of space between your fridge and the walls for good air circulation. Inside, don’t pack food too tightly on the shelves—air needs to flow to keep everything cool efficiently.
Check the door seals.
Over time, the seals around your fridge doors can wear out. To test them, place a dollar bill between the door and the seal at different spots. If the bill slides out easily, it might be time to replace the seals. Good seals keep cool air in and save energy.
According to Consumer Reports, about 40% of new refrigerators have problems or break within five years, and the average fridge lasts about 10 years. Taking these simple steps may help your fridge last longer and avoid costly repairs.
