Refrigerator Tips: How to Reduce Your Energy Bills and Save Energy from Refrigerators and Freezers

If you are one of those people who are bent on reducing energy consumption and cutting down energy bills from your household, then you should realize that the appliances that consume the most energy are refrigerators and freezers.

According to studies, it has been found out that from the average household's total power consumption, refrigerators and freezers comprise 9 percent to up to 25 percent!! This is so because aside from electricity being used for these to operate, these appliances are on 24/7 and has a monthly consumption of 100 to 200 kilowatt hours.

In order for you to be able to save energy from you refrigerator and freezers, here are some tips you can follow when buying and using these appliances.

1. When Buying a Refrigerator or a Freezer:
- Buy an energy saving refrigerator or freezer that qualifies as an Energy Star model. Energy Srar appliances exceed the Federal standard and can help you lessen your energy consumption by 20 percent and $60 dollars from your pocket.

- Try to look for refs that are 16-20 in cubic foot size. These types of refrigerators save energy because they are the most energy efficient models.

- You can also try purchasing top freezer models rather than side-by-side models. These freezers can lessen energy consumption by 7-13 percent.

- Another guideline when buying refrigerators that save energy is to avoid those that have icemakers which are automatic or models with dispensers that are through-the-door. These added features do not only add $750-250 to the selling price but also increases energy consumption to 14 to 20 percent.

- Aside from this, and if you are truly bent on having a freezer or refrigerator that saves energy and electricity, avoid those that have antisweat heaters. Such feature adds 5 to 10 percent more consumed energy.

2. While Using a Refrigerator or Freezer:
- A cooling appliance which has been purchased 15 years ago or more should be replaced with new refrigerators that save energy and are more power efficient. According to a study, refrigerators that were manufactured in 1990 and earlier consume 900-kilowatt hours in a year.

- Keep your refrigerator and freezer maintained. You can save energy from refrigerators by checking the door seal for presence of cracks which allow cold air to leak out.

- Another way to save energy from refrigerators is to unplug those and extra freezers that are not being used or aren't filled to their capacity. According to studies, an extra freezer can use up an extra 1200 kilowatt hours in a year and an extra refrigerator can consume an extra 2400 kilowatt hours.

- A fourth of frost inch will make the refrigerator consume more energy to keep everything inside cold. Always make sure that you regularly defrost your freezers and refrigerator to save energy from them.

- Checking and cleaning the appliance's condenser coils is also a great way to save energy from your refrigerator and freezer. Dirty condenser coils that are located at the bottom and back of the refrigerator can result to additional operating costs. Have them cleaned at least twice a year.

- Another energy saving tip for refrigerators to is to make sure that the appliance is standing on a balanced level. The door gasket may not seal properly if it were not on a level, releasing cold air and increasing power consumption.

- Consider saving more energy from your refrigerators and freezers by avoiding opening the door frequently. Think about the stuff you need to get before opening the door and get all that you need quickly.

- Aside from these, avoid placing freezers and refrigerators on warm places in the house. Your refrigerator will save more energy if it's not placed near warm appliances such stoves, ovens, clothes dryers, water heaters, etc.

- You can also save energy from your refrigerators and freezers by making sure that there are no moisture in containers and bottles before you put them inside the appliance. Cover foods before placing them inside so as to avoid the build-up of moisture.

- When storing leftovers in the refrigerator, make sure that they are cooled slightly. This allows the refrigerator to save energy and avoid it from overworking just to cool the food.

- Most refrigerators work more efficiently if these were full but not beyond its capacity. Cold air will not be able to circulate properly if the appliance is overloaded. By checking the capacity of the appliance from its manual, you do not only save energy from your refrigerator but you also prolong the life of your appliance.

- And the last energy saving tip for refrigerators is to turn these off and get rid of the foods that are most likely to spoil when you are going away for a vacation or trip, especially long ones.