Tag Archives: how to save energy used by fridge

Opening Refrigerator | Nassau County Refrigerator Service | Suffolk County

5 Ways to Reduce Your Refrigerator’s Energy Usage

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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.
Piggy Bank | Speedy Refrigerator Service

Energy Saving Tips for Your Refrigerator

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Refrigerators
are the only household appliance that runs 24/7, which causes them to
be a major factor on your monthly energy bill. Even with an Energy
Star-certified model, your electricity bill can start to creep up if
you do not take proper precautions. Use the following five tips to
keep your refrigerator cold and your energy bill low.

Clean the condenser coils
Cleaning
the condenser coils every six months is a staple in a refrigerator’s
maintenance plan, similar to changing the oil of your car. These
coils are usually located at the back of the unit, and can become
coated in a thick layer of dust, animal hair, and other grime. When
this happens, the condenser must work harder and consume more energy.
Test seal strength
Your
refrigerator’s gasket is the rubber seal located on the inside
perimeter of the door. This seal is responsible for keeping cold air
in the refrigerator and warm air out. Unfortunately, the gasket is
usually one of the refrigerator’s first components to wear down. To
test yours, close your refrigerator door on a dollar bill. If you can
easily slide the dollar up and down or remove it, you should replace
the gasket immediately to improve your energy efficiency.
Keep Your Fridge Full,
but Not Too Full
Keeping
your refrigerator full will help it retain its temperature better
when the door is opened, because the different foods acts as
insulators to keep each other cold. On the other hand, keeping your
refrigerator too full can hinder air circulation and lead to warm
spots.
Keep Your Refrigerator
Away From Heat Sources
Logically,
this tip makes perfect sense. If your refrigerator is located near
your stove, it will heat up when the stove turns on, and the
compressor will have to work twice as hard to keep the inside cool.
Other heat sources to avoid include your dishwasher and direct sun
from a window or skylight.
Let Hot Food Cool Down
Allow
hot food to cool down before sticking it in the refrigerator. Putting
in items that are fresh out of the oven will cause the food around it
and the entire interior of the fridge to warm up, which in turn
causes the refrigerator to use higher amounts of energy to cool back
down.
If your
electricity bill still isn’t going down and you suspect your
refrigerator is to blame, there may be a more serious issue at hand.
If you live in Long Island or New York City, you can count on 24/7
Refrigerator Repair to get you up-and-running at any time of the day.
Our expert technicians keep fully-stocked trucks, which allows them
to make most repairs in the comfort of your own home on the same day
you call. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call us
at 866-782-9376.