Earth-friendly Refrigerator Tips
Earth Day, celebrated on April 22 annually, is an internationally recognized event dedicated to fostering awareness about environmental protection. In April, we should all take a moment to think about ways, big or small, that we can become better stewards of the environment. During the month of April, Cody’s Appliance Repair will be sharing some tips to help you make positive changes toward less energy consumption in your home. This week, review these seven Energy Saving Refrigerator Tips to learn how to use less energy in your kitchen.
Tip #1: Listen to Your Mom
Your mom always nagged you to shut the refrigerator door when you were a kid, and she was right. Leaving the door open uses extra energy because the condenser has to cool down all the hot air you just let in! If you’re completely indecisive and can’t avoid the 5-minute fridge stare, try keeping your fridge stocked (but not overloaded) with food; a full fridge will actually help you save energy because there will be less air to cool down once the door is finally closed.
Tip #2: Back it Up
Don’t push your refrigerator right up against the wall; give it some space to breathe. Allow about 2-3 inches of space between the back of your fridge and the wall. The extra space will allow the hot air from the condenser to disperse without heating up your fridge. You want to make sure that the fridge isn’t doing any unnecessary work to stay cool.
Tip #3: Keep It Clean
You wipe down the inside of your refrigerator, but cleaning behind it seems a little less obvious. Make sure to vacuum the coils (located in the back or, in some cases, underneath) at least twice a year. This will help to improve the efficiency of your refrigerator. Can’t do it on your own? Don’t worry; most appliance repair companies provide condenser cleaning service.
Tip #4: Check Your Seal
Your refrigerator has a rubber seal designed to keep the cool air in and warm air out. Running your fridge with a faulty seal is like running your air conditioner with the door cracked; the cool air is going to get out. If your fridge is constantly running to maintain the proper temperature, you’re wasting a ton of energy. To test the integrity of the seal, place a dollar bill inside the door and close the door. Try to pull the dollar out; if the dollar pulls out easily, then the seal needs to be replaced! Also, clean your seal every few months with warm, soapy water—this will help to maintain the life of the seal.
Tip #5: When It’s Empty, Defrost It
When you haven’t shopped all week (we all do it!), and your fridge is empty, consider defrosting it. Frost build-up causes the condenser to run longer and, in turn, wastes energy.
Tip #6: Spring Clean Your House
Unplug or get rid of underused refrigerators. You know, the one in the garage that holds one twelve pack of beer and a box of popsicles. If you’re not filling the entire refrigerator, then you probably don’t need it. Making this move will reduce your energy bill to the tune of $100 annually!
Tip #7: Take Its Temp
How cold is your refrigerator? Use a thermometer to measure its temperature, and ensure that it’s not running too cold. The temperature in your fridge should be between 35 and 38 degrees Fahrenheit, and the freezer should be at 0 degrees Fahrenheit. Any colder and you’re wasting energy.
Happy Earth Day and Good Luck Completing our Energy Saving Refrigerator Tips!
