MidAmerican Energy Company

energy efficiency | iowa

Refrigerators/Freezers arrows

Don't block air circulation around the unit.
Vacuum the condenser coils at least once a year. Dust-covered coils impair the efficiency of compressor operation and increase energy use. The coils generally are accessible on the back or bottom of the unit.
Keep liquids in a refrigerator tightly covered. Evaporation may cause the refrigerator to work harder.
Do not let frost build up more than one-fourth of an inch in a manual defrost freezer. Frost acts as an insulator, making the unit work harder.
Replace door gaskets that don't seal tightly. An easy way to test gaskets is to place a dollar bill against the frame and close the door on it. If the bill can be pulled out with a very gentle tug or, worse yet, drops out on its own, the door requires adjustment or the gasket needs to be replaced.
Be sure the refrigerator is standing level so that the door seals properly. Use a level or a glass of water set on top to detect imbalance.
Keep your refrigerator compartment between 36-38 degrees Fahrenheit and the freezer compartment between 0-5 degrees Fahrenheit. Keeping temperatures 10 degrees Fahrenheit lower than these can increase energy use by as much as 25 percent (about $48 per year).
If possible, locate refrigerators and freezers away from direct sunlight and other warm air sources such as ranges and heating equipment. Don't put refrigerators and freezers in a garage. They're manufactured to operate in ambient temperatures (the same all year round), not temperature extremes.

Landscaping – Increase Shade
During the summer, sunlight streaming in windows forces an air conditioner to work harder, leading to increased energy use. While curtains can be closed, summer shade can be achieved by planting trees around your home.

Refrigerator and Freezer Operation
In most households, the refrigerator is the single biggest energy-consuming kitchen appliance, and a stand-alone freezer uses a comparable amount of energy.

Power Down
Personal computers use about the same amount of energy to start up as when they are on for about two seconds.