Opening Refrigerator | Nassau County Refrigerator Service | Suffolk County

5 Ways to Reduce Your Refrigerator’s Energy Usage

If you are like most Americans, you are looking for any way you can
to conserve energy. Whether it is to save your money or the
environment, we are always looking for opportunities to consume less
energy. Many times, this leads to us doing things like turning off
the AC on a hot day, but there is a way to cut your electricity bill
without sacrificing your comfort.
In the average home, the refrigerator accounts for roughly 20% of
your electricity consumption – follow these five tips to lessen
that number.
  1. Minimize
    door opening.
    Every time you
    open your refrigerator door, as much as 40% of the cold air can
    escape – this number is even higher if you stand there with the
    door open looking for something to eat (we all do it). If you are
    preparing a meal that requires multiple refrigerated ingredients,
    take them all out in one trip to minimize how long your door stays
    open.
  1. Vacuum
    the condenser coils.
    When is
    the last time you cleaned your refrigerator’s condenser coils? These
    winding tubes are located on the back of the fridge and are a
    critical component for your energy-efficiency. These coils can
    become coated with dust and hair, so make sure to clean them every
    3-6 months with your vacuum cleaner’s brush attachment.
  1. Defrost
    when needed.
    Many new models
    are auto-defrosting, but if yours isn’t, you will need to take the
    time to do this yourself. As the inside walls of your freezer become
    covered in ice, you not only lose storage space, but
    energy-efficiency as well. You can use a hair dryer to defrost your
    freezer, or unplug it overnight until the ice melts.
  1. Give
    it some space.
    As your
    refrigerator cools your food, it releases heat through vents in the
    back. If it is too close to the wall, cabinets, or other appliances,
    it cannot effectively cool down, and you will see the result of this
    in your monthly energy bill. Leave at least six inches of space on
    all sides to ensure adequate ventilation.
  1. Let
    your hot food cool.
    Got a
    plate of future leftovers fresh out of the oven? Let it sit out and
    cool off for 30-45 minutes before putting it in your refrigerator.
    Putting hot foot straight into the fridge warms up other food around
    it, which can cause premature spoiling of foods in addition to
    higher energy consumption and extra wear-and-tear on your
    compressor.
If
your refrigerator is malfunctioning, it could also cause a spike in
your electricity bill. If you suspect that your refrigerator is not
operating properly, give the repair experts at Speedy Refrigerator
Service a call. We have been fixing fridges, freezers, ice makers,
and wine coolers across Long Island for more than 75 years – any
make or model! Our lines are always open, call us any time to
schedule a same-day appointment at 866-782-9376.

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