Refrigerators use a fair amount of electricity, and inefficient models could cost up to $125 extra on energy bills compared to new, ENERGY STAR-rated appliances. Yet, if your fridge is serving your purposes for now and seems to be working well, you may not be ready to invest the money in a new refrigerator just to save on electric bills. Fortunately, there are still some ways to boost the appliance’s efficiency. From minor refrigerator repairs to sensible kitchen practices, here’s what you can do.

5 Tips for Making Your Refrigerator More Efficient

1. Swap Out the Rubber Seal

While most refrigerators can last 10 to 18 years, the gasket, which forms a seal when you close the doors, weakens in just a few years. When this seal is compromised, your refrigerator will have to work harder and use more energy to maintain the temperature. Luckily, this is a quick and easy service a refrigerator repair professional can perform.

2. Clean the Condenser Coils

The condenser coils remove warmth from the system. When they collect too much dust, they’ll become less efficient. To keep debris at bay, clean the coils every six months to a year. They should be at the back or bottom of your unit and can be cleaned with a vacuum attachment or bristle brush.

3. Change the Temperature

Your refrigerator and freezer need to maintain proper temperatures to impede bacterial growth. Yet, keeping them colder than necessary will require more energy. It’s crucial to keep your appliance at the ideal temperature, which is 37°F for the fridge, and 0°F for the freezer. If your food still seems too warm or cold, have a refrigerator repair team check to make sure everything’s working properly.

4. Keep It Organized

The more organized your fridge is, the less time you’ll spend with the door open scouring your shelves. When you open the door, coolness escapes, and the system has to work harder to bring the temperature down again. For this reason, clean your fridge out regularly and aim to keep goods in their rightful places.

5. Cool Food Before Refrigerating

While you may be tempted to transfer your piping-hot leftovers directly into the fridge, holding off a little while can prevent your fridge from having to work harder to compensate for the hot food. If you’re concerned about forgetting it, just set a timer on your phone for an hour.

 

If your refrigerator isn’t working properly, but you’re not quite ready to replace it, contact Complete Appliance Service in Hamilton County, OH. These professionals have been serving the community since 1980, specializing in refrigerator repairs, along with services for dishwashers, washers, and dryers, among other appliances. View their full list of services online or call (513) 661-3708 to schedule a repair.