Do you know that keeping your refrigerator at the right temperature not only helps extend its lifespan but also makes it more energy-efficient? At an ideal setting of 36 to 38 degrees Fahrenheit, your fridge’s motor does not have to work as hard, which in turn lowers its energy consumption. A chilly setting also keeps your food fresh for longer by slowing down the rate of spoilage. The recommended setting also prevents the growth of mold and other undesirable bacteria in your fridge. This article will shed light on all things related to your fridge’s impact on your utility bill. Reducing your food and drink bills is something everyone hopes to achieve one day. It could be as simple as switching off the lights when you leave a room or turning down the thermostat in winter. But, when it comes to saving money on utilities, there are hidden and not-so-hidden costs that we can control. The refrigerator is one of the most energy-intensive appliances in the home. To find out how you can reduce the costs related to running this appliance, read on.
How Does a Refrigerator Affect Your Utility Bill?
A refrigerator uses energy to create cool temperatures inside the appliance to keep the food fresh and safe to eat. This cool temperature is controlled by the thermostat inside the refrigerator, which is usually set between 35 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit. The amount of energy consumed by your refrigerator depends on a few factors: the size of the unit, the temperature setting; the amount of time the refrigerator door is opened; the efficiency of the model; and how often the appliance is used. Large refrigerators/freezers are more expensive to run as compared to smaller appliances. Since a refrigerator is usually kept on for 24 hours, the energy cost can be substantial, especially if you have a large household. If your freezer is large, you might be spending more on energy than necessary. If your freezer is full, the unit has to work harder to keep everything frozen. An overstuffed refrigerator or freezer may lead the appliance to work harder than necessary to maintain the right temperatures inside. You can save energy by adjusting the temperature settings, taking out space in your refrigerator, and keeping your freezer organized.
How to Save on Your Refrigerator Usage
If you want to reduce the amount of energy consumed by your refrigerator, consider the following:
- Clean the coils: Cleaning the coils of your refrigerator can improve efficiency. The coils collect dust and debris, which can reduce the airflow to the cooling coils.
- Adjust the temperature: Keeping the refrigerator warmer will save energy, so adjust the thermostat accordingly.
- Close the door: Closing the door straight after using the refrigerator will help keep the cool air inside.
- Use the right size: Use the appropriate size of a refrigerator to save energy and reduce the amount of electricity.
- Use the right kind of food: Make sure to store food correctly in your refrigerator to reduce the energy needed for cooling.
Installing a Smart Thermostat
A thermostat is an indoor device that controls the temperature inside your home. You see them in every household appliance, from your air conditioner to your stove. They’re used to control the temperature, turn off appliances when not in use, and monitor energy consumption. But advancements in technology have now made it possible to control your household appliances with your smartphone. Smart thermostats offer you ultimate control over the temperature, humidity levels, and energy consumption in your home. They allow you to schedule a time to switch on or off your appliances or turn them on manually with a single click on your smartphone. The best part about a smart thermostat is you can control it from anywhere. So if you’re out of town, you can turn up the AC or lower the temperature before you leave. Pretty cool, right?
Using LED Lighting
If your home has a lot of incandescent or fluorescent light bulbs, they consume a lot of energy and cost a lot to run. If you are looking for ways to cut down on your utility bill, you should consider changing these bulbs for energy-efficient alternatives. You can replace a typical incandescent bulb with an LED bulb that uses less than one-tenth of the energy. LED bulbs are pricier than incandescent and fluorescent bulbs, but you can recover the cost in less than two years by reducing your electricity bill. Another advantage is that LED bulbs last much longer than other kinds of bulbs. If your incandescent or fluorescent light bulbs burn out 10 times a year, you’ll be spending a lot more on energy compared to if you use LEDs.
Adjusting the Temperature and Timer
If you’re only going to be out for a couple of hours and don’t want to turn off your refrigerator, try adjusting the thermostat setting. Keeping your refrigerator at the right temperature isn’t a walk in the park. When you’re not using the appliance, set it to the lowest possible setting. This will save you loads of energy and keep your food fresh for longer. If you’re shopping for a new refrigerator, look out for ones that come with an eco setting. These reduce power consumption as much as possible while keeping your food safe to eat. It demands a lot of energy, so it is a good idea to turn it down. The same goes for your freezer. If you only need to store frozen foods for a couple of hours, don’t turn the freezer completely off. You can save energy by adjusting the temperature settings and putting frozen food in plastic bags. If you’re planning to go away on vacation, consider hiring a professional to turn off the water and electricity to your refrigerator. With timers and temperature controls, you can shut off your appliances at the right time. This will help save energy and keep your food fresh when you come back from vacation.
Conclusion
There’s nothing more disheartening than opening your refrigerator/freezer and finding rotten food. Keeping a log of what you store in your fridge/freezer can help you stay organized and keep tabs on what needs to be used first. You can also try installing a food inventory tracking app on your phone to keep track of what you have. But it happens when the appliance is running at the wrong temperature. If you want to save on your utility bill, follow these energy-saving suggestions for your refrigerator. Keep your fridge clean and organized by regularly cleaning the interior and exterior. Keep the door closed as much as possible to keep cold air in and heat out. Keep large items out of the fridge to make room for foods that spoil quickly. Freeze perishables like berries when you have too much for consumption in a short period. Keep your fridge at a consistent temperature. If it’s too hot, it will have to work harder, increasing the energy it uses.
