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Tips to Save Electricity When Using a Fridge: Unleash the Power of Efficiency

Refrigerators are continuously running electrical appliances in homes, so they tend to consume a significant amount of energy. By implementing the following tips, you can save a considerable amount of electricity for your refrigerator.

Administrator

18 March, 2024

When it comes to household appliances, the refrigerator is perhaps the device that needs to maintain the longest power supply. Most households use the refrigerator 24/7 and more than 300 days a year, only disconnecting the power when cleaning and when away for extended periods.

Therefore, the refrigerator operates day and night, so if not used efficiently, it can be very energy-wasting. Apply the following tips immediately:

Set the refrigerator at the appropriate temperature

Most refrigerators have different temperature settings for each compartment, but many people never adjust them, and they may not even know what that adjustment knob is for. The temperature is considered suitable at 0-5 degrees for the cooling compartment and -18 degrees for the freezer compartment (corresponding to levels 3 and 4 out of 5 levels). However, you should adjust it when the weather changes and when there is less food to save the most.

Applying these tips helps reduce energy consumption

Note the amount of food in the refrigerator

It doesn’t mean that the less food you have, the more energy-saving it is. Putting too much in the refrigerator will block the cooling area, causing the refrigerator to work harder, while putting too little will cause the refrigerator to run all day and night, resulting in waste of energy. Therefore, always fill the refrigerator to about 70-80% of its capacity to allow cool air to flow to the necessary areas, maximize energy savings, and achieve the best results in food preservation.

Plan what you need to limit opening and closing the refrigerator door

Instead of remembering what you need, then opening the refrigerator to get it when cooking, you should figure out what you need in the refrigerator during the same meal to open the refrigerator less frequently and for the shortest time possible. Each time you open and close the refrigerator, it has to start up again and consumes more energy. Moreover, continuous opening and closing can also affect the quality of the food inside. There is a significant temperature difference between the inside and outside of the refrigerator; when you open it, the temperature inside the refrigerator will increase, and the refrigeration unit will have to work harder to regulate it, resulting in higher power consumption.

Keep the refrigerator clean

Clean the refrigerator at least twice a year by removing the bottom part of the refrigerator and treating the dust, then thoroughly clean it, which helps save more energy. Small objects or hair will block the ventilation slots or the device coil, making the refrigerator work at a higher capacity to keep the food fresh.

Avoid putting hot items in the refrigerator

If the food is still hot, it will raise the temperature inside the refrigerator, and of course, the refrigerator will have to work harder to cool it down again. Let the food cool completely before putting it in the refrigerator to save maximum energy.

Place the refrigerator in a well-ventilated area

The refrigerator is a cooling device but needs to dissipate heat from the sides of the refrigerator. Therefore, if you place the refrigerator near other heat-emitting devices such as the stove, microwave, or oven, the refrigerator will have difficulty releasing heat, so it will quickly break down and consume more power. The cooler environment around the refrigerator will save much more energy.

Pay attention to the containers for storing food

When storing food in the refrigerator, you should pay attention to the containers used. If stored in stainless steel containers, the food will cool faster, both delicious and more energy-saving. But if stored in thick plastic or heavy porcelain containers, it will consume more power to cool.

Frequently asked questions

It’s a balance—too much food blocks the cooling area, making the refrigerator work harder, while too little food results in unnecessary energy usage as it runs continuously. Aim to keep your refrigerator about 70-80% full to allow for adequate airflow and maximum energy savings while maintaining optimal food preservation conditions.

Plan ahead! Instead of opening the refrigerator multiple times during meal preparation, try to anticipate all the ingredients and condiments you’ll need for that meal. This reduces the number of times you open the door and maintains a stable temperature inside the refrigerator, preserving food quality and minimizing energy consumption.

It is recommended to clean your refrigerator at least twice a year. A clean refrigerator ensures that small objects or hair don’t block ventilation slots or the device coil, which can hinder its performance and increase energy usage. Regular cleaning also helps maintain food quality and prevents the buildup of dirt and bacteria.

Allow hot food to cool down before placing it in the refrigerator. Putting hot items directly into the refrigerator raises the internal temperature, causing it to work harder to cool down again, leading to increased energy consumption. Letting food cool first helps maximize energy savings.

Place your refrigerator in a well-ventilated area, away from other heat-emitting appliances like stoves, microwaves, or ovens. This ensures that the refrigerator can dissipate heat effectively, reducing the risk of breakdowns and minimizing power consumption. A cooler surrounding environment also contributes to energy savings.

Yes, the type of container matters. Stainless steel containers are ideal as they help food cool faster, preserving taste and minimizing the energy required to maintain the desired temperature. On the other hand, thick plastic or heavy porcelain containers can hinder heat transfer, resulting in higher power usage.