Is your refrigerator guzzling more power than it should? Here are five straightforward strategies to optimize its energy consumption and lighten your electricity expenses.
1. Set the right temperature
A common oversight is not maintaining the ideal temperature inside the fridge. Experts typically recommend keeping it at 4 or 5°C (39-41°F) – never lower. This ensures your food remains fresh for several days without overworking your appliance. For freezers, aim for a chilly -17 to -18°C (1.4-0.4°F).
2. Minimize door openings
It might sound obvious, but keep the fridge door closed as much as possible. Every time you leave it open or delay shutting it, the appliance has to work harder to regain the set temperature. Modern models often come with an alert beep that sounds if the door is left open for too long.
3. Organize your fridge
A cluttered fridge isn’t just an eyesore; it’s inefficient. Avoid overstuffing it or stacking items on top of each other. This ensures better cold air circulation. Remember, different fridge sections have varying temperatures. The coldest area is usually at the bottom, making it ideal for meats, fish, and dairy products.
4. Ditch the packaging
Remove unnecessary packaging and cartons from your food items. There’s no point in wasting energy to cool these materials!
5. Position away from heat sources
Keep your fridge away from heat sources like ovens, radiators, or sun-facing windows. Ensure it’s not pressed directly against the wall to prevent overheating. The best spots for a fridge? Think basements, garages (away from the boiler!), or a shaded kitchen corner, maintaining a gap of about 10 centimeters from the wall.
Open Immovlan