Refrigerate Efficiently and Save
Greentips: August 2011
Refrigerators consume more electricity than any other household appliance: about 18 percent of your annual total. That’s why you need to own an Energy Star-labeled model—and use it efficiently—if you want to reduce your energy consumption and carbon footprint (electricity generation is a major contributor of heat-trapping carbon dioxide emissions). Because Energy Star refrigerators are at least 20 percent more efficient than their non-qualified counterparts, you could save more than $100 annually in operating costs by replacing a 1980s-era model.
Other factors to consider when fridge shopping are:
Size. Models between 16 and 20 cubic feet are most efficient and should meet most household needs.
Freezer. Refrigerators with a top-mounted freezer use 10 to 25 percent less energy than those with a side-by-side or bottom-mounted freezer. (Bottom units are second-best.) A manual-defrost refrigerator consumes half the energy of automatic-defrost models but needs routine maintenance to avoid excess ice buildup, which can offset the efficiency gains.
Extra features. Refrigerators with water dispensers and icemakers can use up to 20 percent more energy than models without them. Refillable ice trays are more efficient, assuming you keep the freezer door closed as much as possible.
Take full advantage of your refrigerator’s efficiency by:
Cleaning condenser coils. Dirt and dust buildup on coils hampers efficiency by up to 30 percent. Vacuum or brush coils regularly, and ensure sufficient space between them and the wall to allow air circulation.
Setting the right temperature. Refrigerators should be kept between 36°F and 38°F, and freezers between 0°F and 5°F; colder temperatures waste energy. Keep your fridge in a cool location away from the stove and sunlight.
Keeping in the cold. Open the door as infrequently and briefly as possible; placing regularly used items near the front can help you get in and out fast. Also, check for air leaks by closing the doors on a piece of paper or dollar bill. If it slides out easily, replace the seal.
Storing food efficiently. Cool down hot foods before refrigerating them so the heat isn’t released inside. If you’re worried about bacteria growth from leaving leftovers out to cool, place them in shallow containers to create more surface area and cool foods faster.
Filling the shelves. A well-stocked refrigerator and freezer help retain the cold when opening the door. If your refrigerator is fairly empty, store water-filled containers inside.
Working up a sweat. Turn off your refrigerator’s anti-sweat heater (if it has one) to reduce electricity consumption up to 10 percent.
