Six ways to keep your refrigerator or freezer running efficiently
Don't lose your cool!
- Stay in the shade. Keep your refrigerator away from direct sunlight and other heat sources, including your dishwasher, stove and vents, to keep your compressor from working overtime.
- Check your circulation. Refrigerators need plenty of air flowing around the unit in order to help conserve energy and keep the food inside cold.
- Clean your coils. Dust-covered condenser coils can’t work efficiently. Vacuum them at least once a year to decrease energy use and increase the life of your refrigerator.
- Check your seals. Door gaskets keep cool air inside your refrigerator – but not if they don’t seal tightly. Test yours by placing a dollar bill against the frame and close the door. If the bill comes out with a gentle tug or if it drops out on its own, it’s time to replace your gaskets.
- Find your ideal temperature. Aim to keep your refrigerator between 36-38 degrees Fahrenheit and your freezer between 0-5 degrees Fahrenheit. Lowering temperatures by 10 degrees Fahrenheit can increase energy use by as much as 25 percent.
- Defrost your freezer. Letting frost build up more than ¼ inch in your freezer makes the unit work harder.