Refrigeration Energy

Saving Energy and money with Refrigerators is important to any homeowner. People do not think of the refrigerator as using very much energy in a home. In fact, it is the third largest energy user, right behind space conditioning and water heaters. Refrigerators use between six and sixteen percent of a home's total energy cost.

Energy savings with top freezers

Side-by-side refrigerators cost the most to operate. A 21 cubic foot, frost free, side-by-side refrigerator costs approximately $11.65 per month to operate. Anytime the doors are opened, there is more space for the cold air to fall out. Freezer compartments on top of the refrigerator allow less cold air loss and bottom freezer compartments and chest type freezers are the most efficient. A 17 cubic foot, frost free, with top freezer costs approximately $6.90 per month.

Check door seals for energy savings on existing refrigerators

Check door seals to make sure they are sealing properly. As seals age they are less capable of containing cold air inside. Place a strip of paper or a dollar bill over the seals of the door and close the door. Pull on the paper or dollar bill. If it slips out easily, the seal should be replaced. Replacing door seals can be expensive and if the model is very old, consider replacing the unit with a modern appliance. A five degree Fahrenheit difference in temperature can impact your electricity consumption by 20 percent.

Avoid that extra refrigerator in the garage or basement

Older model refrigerators that have been replaced are sometimes kept in the garage or basement for extra refrigerator storage and turn into big energy wasters. They are less efficient, seals are worn out and they are situated in an area without space conditioning which causes them to run continuously in warmer weather. That second unit will be quietly robbing from your energy budget for only a little added convenience.

Turn the automatic defroster off

Refrigerator units with automatic defrost have heaters built into the walls of the freezer to prevent moisture from condensing on the surfaces inside the unit. Some newer units have energy saver switches that can be deactivated when condensation is not much of an issue. If condensation is not much of a problem, keep this switched off. The switch is usually located at the back of the refrigerator.

Keep the refrigerator full

A refrigerator or freezer that is full requires less energy to maintain. When the door is opened on a full unit, there is less room for warm air to enter into the space. Filling empty spaces with containers of water will help this problem and in a freezer it has the added advantage of being able to hold a lower temperature longer in the event of a power outage.

Use storage bowls with lids

Food placed in a refrigerator should be at room temperature and always with a lid. Uncovered dishes allow moisture in the food to be evaporated into the interior of the unit causing it to use more energy.

Energy savings with new refrigerator models

Modern refrigerators are more efficient than older models. Newer models have better insulation, tighter seals as well as up-graded efficient systems. Be sure to look for the EnergyGuide labels to see what energy a particular model will use. Models that have 15 to 20 percent higher efficiency may be cost effective depending on the utility rates.

Paying a little more for a model that costs less to operate may be a good investment for the household. Also look for the EnergyStar labeled units that exceed federal efficiency standards by at least 20 percent.

Conclusion:

Putting these simple and practical tips into use and following regular cleaning of all grills and coils will make a large improvement on saving energy and money with a household refrigerator.

Source:

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