Your refrigerator is the only appliance in your home that runs around-the-clock, so it’s not surprising that it can account for a significant portion of your home’s electricity consumption. Use these six hacks to help keep your energy bill low.
Vacuum the coils. The condenser coils are located on the back of your appliance and can accumulate a thick coating of dust over time. Vacuum these every six months so they can effectively release heat from your refrigerator.
Minimize door opening. Every time you open your refrigerator door, as much as 40% of the cold air can escape. Instead of going to the fridge several times over the course of a meal, take out everything you need in one trip, and avoid keeping the door open for long periods of time.
Keep out the heat. You probably do it without realizing, but putting hot food straight into the refrigerator can warm up the entire interior, causing your compressor to work harder. Try letting the food cool off for twenty minutes on the counter first.
Test the seal. If your door seal has a leak in it, your refrigerator could be losing cold air 24/7. Test the strength of your seal by closing the refrigerator door on a dollar bill. If you can easily slide the bill up and down or remove it, you should replace the gasket.
Keep it full. A refrigerator that is full of food has a greater thermal mass than an empty refrigerator, which means it will retain its temperature better when the door is opened. Keep your fridge well-stocked, but not too full – this can block air circulation and lead to warm spots.
Give it space. As your refrigerator cools off on the inside, it must release heat to the outside. Make sure to give your appliance at least three inches of space on all sides (including the back and the top) to allow for proper ventilation.
Have you noticed a spike in your electricity bill, despite your best efforts to conserve energy? A malfunction in your refrigerator may be to blame! If your fridge is making loud noises or constantly cycling on and off, contact the professionals at Speedy Refrigerator Service. We guarantee one-hour service to Long Island and New York City; so give us a call anytime at 866-782-9376.