As you probably know your refrigerator is one of the highest energy consuming appliances in your home. Unlike the washing machine or the dryer, your fridge is constantly working to keep your food cool or frozen. If your current refrigerator is causing your energy bills to skyrocket, it may be time to purchase a newer and more efficient one. Listed below our tips on what to look for when buying an energy efficient refrigerator and also ways to keep the appliance’s energy consumption as low as possible.
What To Look For
- First and foremost the next refrigerator you buy should be marked with the energy star logo. An appliance carrying the label means its energy use is significantly more efficient than the government’s minimum standards. When you purchase a refrigerator toting the logo, it is guaranteed to use less energy than a non-energy star appliance.
- The price tag of a more efficient refrigerator may turn you off, but it’s important to look at the cost a bit differently when you’re talking about appliances. The initial price may be more than your less efficient fridge, but you should also consider the second price tag which is the cost to operate the refrigerator every year. At the end of the day, an energy star refrigerator will save you money from month to month, which will slowly add up as the years pass.
- Refrigerators without ice makers or water dispensers tend to be more energy efficient, so if you can go without those two features, you’ll end up saving even more money on your monthly bill.
- While side-by-side refrigerators can be more convenient, you may be surprised to find out they are less energy efficient than fridges with the freezer on the top or bottom.
Keep Your Refrigerator’s Energy Use Down
- Keeping your freezer sufficiently stocked will reduce the area your appliance must keep cold. If you do have empty space in the freezer place milk jugs filled with frozen water in the empty space to decrease the appliance’s energy use.
- Do not put hot food in your refrigerator. Waiting for food to cool means your fridge doesn’t have to waste energy on cooling it down.
- When you need to defrost an item, place it in your refrigerator overnight. This will cool your appliance down and decrease its power consumption.
- You should never install a refrigerator next to a stove, dishwasher or heating vent. It’s also wise to keep the appliance out of direct sunlight.
- Checking the gasket and cleaning the coils is a must not only to lessen energy use, but also to prevent the need for refrigerator appliance repair.
If you’re refrigerator is malfunctioning or you’re looking for tips on how to make your appliance more energy efficient, please contact us today and we’ll be happy to help you.