How to Make Your Fridge Energy Efficient?

How can you determine the star rating?

Check the star rating sticker on top of the fridge - this shows how energy-efficient it is. The ratings go from 1 star (uses the most energy) up to 5 stars refrigerator (uses the least energy). Go for the highest star rating you can afford, as this will save you more money on your energy bills in the long run.

No matter which model you have, there are some simple tricks to make any refrigerator more energy-efficient

Clean the Condenser Coils Regularly

The condenser coils are responsible for releasing the heat absorbed from inside the fridge. When these coils are covered with dust, pet hair, or grime, they can't effectively release the heat, making the compressor work harder and consume more energy.

To clean it:

Unplug the refrigerator and locate the condenser coils, usually at the back or across the bottom front. Use a vacuum cleaner attachment or a coil brush to remove all the built-up dirt and debris. Be gentle to avoid damaging the coils. This should be done every 6-12 months.

• Check and Replace Door Gaskets or rubber seal:

The door gaskets (seals) are designed to create an airtight seal when the doors are closed, preventing cool air from escaping. Over time, these gaskets can become worn, cracked, or lose their flexibility, leading to air leaks.

Test the gaskets by closing the door on a piece of paper. If it slides out easily, the gaskets need to be replaced. Proper gaskets will make it difficult to pull out the paper when the door is closed.

Replacing worn gaskets can save a significant amount of energy by preventing cool air loss and reducing the compressor's workload. 

Optimize Temperature Settings:

The ideal temperature range for a refrigerator is 37°F to 40°F (3°C to 4°C), and for a freezer, it's 0°F (-18°C). Setting the temperatures lower than necessary wastes energy as the compressor has to work harder to maintain those colder temperatures.

Use a refrigerator thermometer to check the actual temperatures inside and adjust the settings accordingly or you can just put a glass of water on the toughened shelf inside the fridge and wait for 2 hours, then measure the temperature of water using normal body thermometer. Each degree lower than necessary can increase energy consumption by up to 5%.

Allow Proper Air Circulation

Overstuffing the fridge can block air circulation, making it harder for the cool air to reach all areas efficiently. Leave some space between items on the shelves and avoid packing the fridge too tightly.

Also, make sure there's enough clearance around the refrigerator itself, as restricted airflow can cause the compressor to work harder and use more energy.

Reduce door Openings

Every time the refrigerator door is opened, a significant amount of cool air escapes, and the compressor has to work harder to replace it. Plan your trips to the fridge by gathering all the items you need at once, rather than making multiple openings.

In hot summers if you need cold air use AC for that, do not open the door for a longer time.

Keep frequently used items at the front for easy access and organize the contents to minimize time spent with the door open.

Upgrade to an Energy-Efficient Model

If your refrigerator is over 10-15 years old, it's likely consuming significantly more energy than newer models, even if it's still running. Consider upgrading to an ENERGY STAR-certified refrigerator, which can use up to 40% less energy than conventional models.

Look for features like improved insulation, more efficient compressors, and better door gaskets that can contribute to energy savings over the life of the appliances. Many direct cool refrigerators come with a 5-star rating, according to the capacity need you can consider that.

Frost-free refrigerators have options like bottom mount refrigerators,  high-end frost-free refrigerators, side-by-side refrigerators, and double-door refrigerators, which have an automatic defrost option, so you do not need to defrost them.

Use a Power Meter

Invest in a simple power meter (also called a "kill-a-watt" meter) that can measure the energy consumption of your refrigerator. Plug the fridge into the meter and monitor its energy usage over time.

If the refrigerator is consuming an excessive amount of energy compared to its age and size, it may be time to replace it with a more efficient model.

Strategically locate it

Positioning your refrigerator strategically is vital for optimal efficiency. It should never be situated near any sources of heat, such as ovens, cooktops, or radiators, and it should also be shielded from direct sunlight. Place it at least a 2-inch gap from the ceiling. Regardless of whether you have a freestanding or built-in refrigerator model, it's imperative to provide adequate ventilation around the appliance. Inadequate airflow can cause the compressor to run continuously, leading to excessive energy consumption. 

Don’t place sizzling hot food inside

Don't put really hot food in the fridge right away. It makes the fridge work too hard and uses up a lot of energy. When you put in hot food, the inside of the fridge gets warm. Then, the fridge has to work extra hard to cool everything down again. This uses more electricity, which means a bigger bill for you.

Think of it this way: the hotter the food you put in, the harder your fridge has to work, and the more money you'll end up paying. So, it's better to let hot food cool down a bit before you put it in the fridge. Just wait a little while for the food to stop steaming. This small step can help keep your electricity bill from getting too high.

Remember, a cooler fridge is a happier wallet!

Conclusion

If you use these tips to make your fridge use less energy, you can save a lot of money over time. Think about it - your fridge runs all day, every day. So even small savings add up to a lot of rupees off your electricity bills over the years you own it.

Plus, using less energy isn't just good for your wallet. It's also good for the planet. When we use less electricity, we help reduce the amount of harmful gases released into the air. This means your small changes at home can help protect the environment.

So by making your fridge work smarter, not harder, you're doing two good things at once - saving money and helping the Earth. It's a win-win!