It’s no secret that people are more or less always looking for ways to slash their energy bills. Most are resorting to quick fixes, such as energy efficient light bulbs or smart thermostats. However, they often overlook home appliances that could be pumping up the bills. One such appliance is the fridge, which has proven to be one of the biggest energy consumers in an average household. It’s true — changing your fridge is the first step to limiting energy consumption. In order to help you, we have compiled a list of 5 tips to maximize savings with energy efficient refrigerators.
But before that, let’s talk about some basics.
What is an Energy Efficient Refrigerator?
An energy efficient refrigerator is a cold appliance designed to cut costs without compromising on the performance. Nowadays, such fridges are common and actually cheaper than older models. Most of them also have an energy rating above A, which means that they consume an average of 250 kWh/year. That is a much lower consumption level than any refrigerator that is 15 years old.
The biggest difference is that modern fridges can maintain a low temperature much more easily. Overall, the condenser is working a lot less than it used to work with the older models. When it comes to modern fridges, the freezer is usually placed on top, as it’s more energy efficient than the ones with the classic bottom or side freezers.
However, not knowing what to do with an energy efficient refrigerator can end up costing you more at the end of the month. The following tips will help you get the most out of your refrigerator.
5 Tips to Maximize Savings with Energy Efficient Refrigerators
1. Pick the Right Location
This might seem obvious to some, but where you put the fridge is important. Never place it near a heat source and keep it out of direct sunlight. Your dishwasher should also be at a safe distance from your new fridge.
The consensus is that, in a kitchen, a refrigerator should be placed in a shade. There should be at least 2 inches of free space around the sides and the top. Without the air gaps, the fridge is unable to release excess heat and starts overheating. As a result, the fridge has to use more energy to compensate for the higher temperatures.
2. Organize the Fridge
Even though an organized fridge is a staple of every household, it can also improve energy efficiency. Less time spent searching for something means less time having the door open. That, in turn, results in less work for the condenser trying to lower the temperature again.
3. Fill Up the Refrigerator
A full fridge means less air to keep cool and, thus, less work for the cooling system. Keeping at least two-thirds of your refrigerator full seems to be the sweet spot for most appliances. If your fridge is too big, try filling it with jugs of water. Just don’t go overboard and never block the air vents that are inside your fridge.
4. Store the Food
Before you start shoving anything into your appliance, try to use refrigerator-safe containers. Not covering the food means generating moisture and making the fridge work harder than it needs to. If you can choose what to use, pick glass containers, as they absorb the cold better than the plastic ones.
5. Clean the Coils
Last but not least, an important thing that people forget is cleaning the coils. Over time, they can get dusty if left unchecked. That will reduce the cooling capabilities of your fridge and raise the energy bill. Keeping the coils clean will also extend the lifetime of your appliance. However, always unplug the fridge before cleaning them up.
Let’s Start Saving!
Overall, with a bit of care and caution, you can squeeze even more out of your refrigerator. Hopefully, the 5 tips to maximize savings with energy efficient refrigerators mentioned above will also extend the lifespan of your fridge. So taking care of your fridge and what you place in it will surely pay off in the long run.
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