Energy Saving Refrigerator

Refrigerator Energy Saving Tips

Refrigerators are the whitegood appliance most commonly found in the home. However, next to the air conditioner, this appliance is often the heaviest user of electricity in the place and are known to consume 9 to 25% of a household’s total consumption of energy. The energy saving refrigerator provide energy savings without sacrificing the features most commonly sought after.

The new and improved energy saving refrigerator require about half as much energy as earlier model refrigerators. As a result of newer technology, a newer Energy Star qualified refrigerator model will often pay for itself within a few years. As a matter of fact, replacing a refrigerator bought in 1990 with a new energy saving refrigerator would save enough energy to light the average household for three months.

Whether or not you have an energy saving refrigerator, here are some refrigerator energy saving tips.

• Regular cleaning  and maintenance will ensure that the refrigerator functions well. Clean the condensor coils on the back of the refrigerator as this makes a difference to its performance. The energy consumption of refrigerators are high compared to refrigerators that are regularly maintained. 
• Defrosting the refrigerator should be carried out regularly if you do not have a frost free model. Ice is an insulator and must be removed otherwise it builds up and becomes thick. 
• Keep the doors of the refrigerator closed as much as possible. Think ahead and plan what you need to take out and avoid standing there with the door open thinking about something else. How often does that happen? The cold air that escapes when the door is opened is replaced by warm air which must then be cooled again.
• Ensure that the rubber and plastic door seals are not worn or damaged and are airtight. You can test the seal by using a ten dollar note. If you can remove the note easily or if it falls then it may be time to think about replacing the seal around the perimeter of the refrigerator door. Another consideration is to locate the refigerator on level ground as this may also affect the efficiency of the refrigerator seals allowing cold air to leak out.
• Place the refrigerator in a place where there's enough ventilation and space between the refrigerator and the kitchen cabinets. Try to leave at least a 5-8 cm gap between the refrigerator and the walls and if it is fitted into a specially built alcove, make sure that there is enough room for ventilation on the top of the refrigerator as well.
• Try selecting a cool position for the refrigerator preferably out of the sunlight and not next to a heat source such as a dishwasher or an oven. This only makes common sense and this should now be a consideration when designing new kitchens.
• In terms of food storage, allow food to cool before putting it in the refrigerator. The reason for this should be obvious. If possible keep the refrigerator full. The word 'full' means pack food and drinks inside the refrigerator so that the cool air can circulate around them freely inside the unit and not jmmed packed so that you need an elephant to lean on it to close it.
• Keep the refrigerator at a constant temperature and don't set the temperature too low. You can ensure the correct temperature by using a thermometer. Refrigerators are usually set at 3 to 4⁰ C and not at the 'how cold you like your beer' temperature.

The next step in having an energy saving refrigerator is to actually acquire one. If the energy savings on the electricity bill is not enough reason for considering purchasing a new model energy saving refrigerator then consider that new refrigerators no longer use CFC or ChloroFluoroCarbon refrigerants. The CFCs contribute to ozone depletion. This fact alone makes the energy saving refrigerator far less harmful to the environment.

Recycle your old refrigerator. Did you know that there are over forty million refrigerators over ten years old in the United States alone. By recycling your old inefficient refrigerator you can save money, energy and the environment. An energy saving refrigerator need not be expensive because just a regular priced one will do. Just look for the Energy Star qualified model in order to have a new and improved energy saving refrigerator.

Remember, reducing your electricity bill is equivalent to saving power, thus helping the world save power for its future generations.

Make power at home with solar and wind energy to eliminate your power bill.
Get a complete guide at Earth 4 Energy.

by  - Stephen Reeves

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