Conserving Electricity at Work and at Home > Refrigerator and Freezer Tips

• Keep the refrigerator and freezer full.

• Don't crowd food items into the refrigerator (contents will not cool properly if air circulation is obstructed).

• Keep the fresh food compartment at 37-40F.

• Keep the freezer compartment at 0-5F.

• Use a thermometer to periodically check the refrigerator/freezer temperatures.

• With manual-defrost freezers, don't allow frost to build up more than 1/4 inch.

• Use the "energy saver" switch to adjust the heating coils, which prevent condensation on the refrigerator.

• Don't keep opening the refrigerator/freezer door, mark freezer items for quick identification.

• After shutting the refrigerator/freezer door, check to make sure it closed tightly.

• Check the seal on the door gasket for air leakage (if you close the door on a dollar bill and it pulls out easily, you probably need a new gasket).

• Lubricate the door gasket with petroleum jelly to keep it from cracking or drying out.

• Cover liquids and wrap foods stored in the refrigerator (uncovered foods release moisture and make the compressor work harder).

• Wrap food items with aluminum foil or plastic wrap (paper is an insulator).

• Avoid putting hot foods directly in the freezer; let them cool first.

• Don't keep an old unit running day and night in the garage (a 15-year-old refrigerator could cost $100-$150 per year).

• Clean the coils in the back or bottom of the refrigerator/freezer.

• Locate refrigerator/freezers away from heat sources and direct sunlight, which cause the compressor to work harder.

• Don't enclose the unit in cabinets or place it close up against the walls (heat from the compressor and condensing coils must be able to escape freely).

• Freezers can be installed in an attached garage or basement; however, don't put it in a space that frequently goes below 45F (the refrigerant will not work properly).

• Have leaky refrigeration systems repaired.

• If the motor runs too often or too long, get it checked (maintenance work on older units has a big pay-off in terms of energy efficiency).

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