How to Reduce Your Refrigerator's Energy Consumption: Do's and Don'ts

With the weather warming up, a big concern of homeowners across the country is their electricity bill. If you are looking to keep yours down during the warm summer months, you don't have to sacrifice your family's comfort; instead, the answer could lie in your kitchen.

The refrigerator is the only appliance in your home that runs 24/7, making it one of your primary energy consumers. We often don't give refrigerators the attention they deserve, but using the tips below could result in a significant savings on your monthly utility bill.

Do these three things to save money on your monthly electricity bill:

• Vacuum your condenser coils every six months. Keeping these coils clean will allow them to efficiently release heat and keep the inside of your fridge nice and cold.
• Regularly inspect your gasket for cracks. Your gasket (also known as the rubber door seal) is responsible for keeping warm air out; if it is cracked or damaged your electricity bill could skyrocket.
• Keep your fridge well-stocked. Keeping your refrigerator stocked with food will help it retain its temperature when the door is opened. Beware of over-stuffing though, which could restrict air flow and lead to warm spots.

DON'T do these three things to save money on your monthly electricity bill:

• DON'T place your refrigerator near heat-generating appliances. Keep your refrigerator away from your stove and out of direct sunlight if possible – exposure to either of these things can cause it to warm up.
• DON'T keep your refrigerator door open for long periods of time. Every time you open the fridge, cold air escapes. Save energy by minimizing how many times you open your refrigerator door and how long you keep it open for.
• DON'T put hot food in the fridge. Let your freshly-cooked food cool down before putting it in the fridge, otherwise it will warm up the interior and make your refrigerator work harder to keep cold.

A broken refrigerator can also consume much more energy than one which is operating properly. If you suspect your refrigerator is malfunctioning, Speedy Subzero can repair it for a fraction of the cost of a new model. We serve Long Island, New York City, Connecticut, and New Jersey, and same-day service is available – call us any time at 866-782-9376 to schedule an appointment with one of our licensed technicians.