Energy Saving Tips for Refrigeration Equipment

Refrigeration equipment can account for about 15 to 20 percent of our home’s total electricity costs. The following tips will help to reduce your energy consumption:

  • Make sure the equipment you are using is the perfect size to suit your needs. If the fridge/freezer you are using is smaller, you may be overworking it. If it’s too big, you’re possibly wasting not just valuable space but also energy.
  • Equipment with built-in water dispensers or similar tends to consume more energy. We all know it looks great but from a more practical perspective, it is not really necessary.
  • Remember that refrigeration equipment with automatic defrosting features consumes more electricity than manual alternatives.
  • Avoid putting warm or hot food/water inside the fridge/freezer; remember that you should let things cool down. Hot food reduces the cold temperature, which forces the refrigeration equipment to work much harder.
  • Cool air escapes when you open the door. Open doors as infrequently and as briefly as possible.
  • Remove frozen food from the freezer and defrost it in the fridge. This can help in the cooling process.
  • Do consider buying new equipment if yours is 10 years old or older. Like it or not, due to our advanced technology, energy efficiency features and better performing motors are now available on the market.
  • When food is running low, store water-filled containers inside the fridge/freezer to keep the cold temperature circulating. The mass of cold items helps the refrigeration equipment to recover more efficiently after the door has been opened.
  • Adjust the temperature settings on your system. The ideal temperature range of a freezer is from 0 to 5°F, while for the refrigerator it ranges from 37 to 40°F.
  • Do not overfill. Overstuffing will only interfere with the circulation of cold air.
  • Keep your equipment away from heat sources like dishwashers, ovens, etc. 20% higher energy consumption occurs if there is a 10°F increase in the surrounding temperature.
  • Always check door seals or gaskets to make sure they are in good condition. A broken seal is equivalent to leaving the door open.