Refrigerators: 7 Energy-Saving Tips

Technology advances have made today's refrigerators much more efficient than models built as recently as 10 years ago. Even so, there are things you can do to conserve energy and keep your refrigerator operating at peak performance:

1. Setting thermostats at the recommended temperature settings, 37°F to 40°F for the refrigerator and 5°F for the freezer, will help optimize energy savings, while keeping foods fresh.
2. A well-stocked refrigerator uses less energy because there's less air to cool. Keep your refrigerator full without overfilling; too many items packed together closely will reduce air circulation.
3. Defrost manual freezers regularly; frost buildup of more than one-quarter inch reduces energy efficiency.
4. Cover liquids and wrap foods before storing them in the refrigerator. Uncovered items release moisture, which makes the compressor work harder.
5. Make sure the refrigerator door seals tightly. Test it by closing the door over a piece of paper. If the paper can be removed easily, the door latch may need to be repaired or the seal replaced.
6. Ensure proper air flow by keeping the coils clean and dust free. A little maintenance will help keep your refrigerator running efficiently.
7. If possible, position your refrigerator away from the oven, windows and other sources of heat. Extra heat may cause it to work harder.

Upgrade and save

If your refrigerator is more than 10 years old, consider replacing it with a newer, more efficient unit. Look for the ENERGY STAR® label. ENERGY STAR qualified refrigerators use nine percent less energy than standard efficiency models.

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