Your refrigerator is one of the most hardworking appliances in your home since it constantly works to keep your food fresh and safe to consume. However, this constant functioning might lead to significant energy usage if not managed appropriately.

Thankfully, by implementing a few basic measures, you can improve your refrigerator’s efficiency, reduce energy expenditures, and extend its lifespan.

This guide by refrigerator repair professionals provides tips for increasing the efficiency of your refrigerator and saving you money.

Set the proper temperatures.

One of the best ways to improve your refrigerator’s efficiency is to set the proper temperatures for the refrigerator and freezer sections.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (USDA) recommends keeping your refrigerator section at 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4°C) or lower. Many refrigerators include a built-in thermometer to monitor temperatures. If yours does not have this feature, insert a separate thermometer in the center of the middle shelf to ensure safe food storage.

Aim for a freezer temperature of 0°F (-18°C). This temperature is low enough to freeze food without overheating your appliance. Remember that a fully loaded freezer is more efficient than an empty one since the frozen products help keep the temperature low.

Maintain optimal room temperatures.

Room temperature has a huge impact on your refrigerator’s efficiency. For proper ventilation, leave at least a 2-inch gap between the back of the fridge and the wall, with about 1 inch of room on the sides.

Keep the refrigerator away from heat sources such as ovens and bright sunshine, which might cause the appliance to work more to maintain its internal temperature.

Aim for a steady room temperature of 65°F to 75°F (18°C to 24°C). This temperature range allows your refrigerator to run efficiently, lowering energy usage and prolonging the fridge’s lifespan.

Make sure the area around your refrigerator is well-insulated to prevent extra heat from harming it. You should note that proper room insulation helps maintain a stable ambient temperature, which improves your refrigerator’s efficiency.

Place your fridge in a cool place with enough space to breath

The way your refrigerator is positioned might affect how hard it has to work. Ensure that it is as far away from radiators and stoves as feasible. Avoid exposing it to direct sunlight as well.

Make sure your refrigerator has at least 5 cm of open space for ventilation on the sides, back, and top. Without an air gap, the refrigerator cannot expel the heat from the compressor.

Thus, your refrigerator has to work harder and longer to keep your food safe as a result of this heating up.

Cool hot food before refrigeration

Adopting wise consumption habits can significantly increase your refrigerator’s efficiency at no added cost. For example, putting hot food items directly into the fridge makes it work overtime to cool them down. And you don’t want this, do you?

Follow these guidelines to preserve your food properly:

• Let heated items cool to room temperature before refrigerating.
• Never keep perishable items out for longer than two hours.
• Use shallow containers to accelerate the chilling process.

Keep your fridge well organized.

You might argue that proper fridge organization is simply good housekeeping—how could it affect your appliance’s efficiency?

Well, the less time you spend searching around for food with the refrigerator door open, the less effort the condenser has to make to return the temperature to the set point. Plus, if you properly organize your refrigerator, food will last longer.

When you place the different foods in your fridge, you should always consider where they will be stored.

Airflow is vital inside a refrigerator. A crowded freezer keeps products colder, whereas a stuffed refrigerator can obstruct the airflow required to cool food adequately. To optimize efficiency, observe these fridge guidelines:

• Do not overcrowd shelves.
• Store fruits and vegetables in their proper drawers.
• Keep frequently used food items at eye level.
• Use airtight containers to avoid moisture loss and odor transfer.

You should use your refrigerator’s doors effectively. Keep condiments and beverages in the entryway, as these areas are slightly warmer and less stable in temperature than the inside shelves.

Position freezer food items to allow air circulation to maximize freezer efficiency. Label and date frozen items, and remove extra air from the packing. Use freeze-safe containers or bags.

It’s also wise to take at least one day a week to go over your fridge and properly organize it, removing any items that you don’t want there or that have expired.

Minimize door opening time.

Your fridge must work harder to maintain the desired temperature since warm air enters and cold air exits when the door is opened. To reduce this effect, put a list on the door to keep track of its contents and arrange things so they’re easily accessible.

Additionally, you should prepare for the items you need before opening the door and train your family members to choose things quickly.

Aim to keep your fridge full all the time.

At least, as much as you can, a full refrigerator needs less air to remain calm, so it doesn’t have to work as hard as one that isn’t as full.

When correctly loaded, food items keep each other cool. Your refrigerator should be able to hold at least two-thirds of its contents. If it’s too large, put water jugs in both refrigerator sections.

However, avoid packing it to overflow—effective refrigerator performance depends on enough airflow. Additionally, look for air vents and make sure nothing is obstructing them.

Parting shot

These are some of the measures you should take to make your fridge run more efficiently. If your existing unit is older than ten years, you should consider upgrading to a more energy-efficient refrigerator.

Modern refrigerators consume much less electricity than older models, which could result in significant energy bill savings. If you aren’t sure which fridge you should get, consult an experienced appliance repair Fairfax professional.

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