General Practices to Minimise Refrigeration Energy Use
No matter what your refrigerator’s age is, it is essential to always make sure to increase your fridge’s efficiency. There are general practices to minimise refrigeration energy use that are inexpensive and easy to do. By doing these things, you will increase and improve the efficiency of your refrigerator at home without spending a penny.
Tips on Minimizing Refrigeration Energy Use
Replacing Rubber Gasket on The Door
Rubber gasket is the plastic lining that runs through the door, which can be overlooked easily. This seal helps protect the refrigerator from any unwanted air from coming inside. Gaskets can become loose or weak after using the refrigerator for years.
Once the gasket starts to break down, the refrigerator will start to work double-time to keep your food cold. This means a shorter unit lifespan and a higher energy bill in the long run. So make sure to replace the rubber gasket every few years or so or once you notice that it already has damaged.
Protect from High Heat Sources
Now, in order for you to keep your food chilled at the best temperature possible, the compressor will kick into the highest gear when the refrigerator is near sources of heat. It will not only make the refrigerator work harder, but it will become a waste of energy and may shorten the appliance’s lifespan.
When rearranging your kitchen, it would be best to keep the dishwasher, oven, range, and other appliances that emit high levels of heat away from your refrigerator. It is always nice to avoid the fridge away from direct sunlight to avoid it from overdriving.
Tidying the Condenser Coils
It is important to tidy the condenser coils at the back of your unit to ensure that it operates efficiently. If the coils start to work harder, it causes high energy consumption, which can lead to issues with the fridge in the long run. To ensure that your coils are cleaned properly, it would be best to invest in a bristle brush to remove dirt that has already accumulated through the years.
Remember that you don’t have to clean them often, just make sure to prevent dirt from building up, which can then affect the performance of the refrigerator.
Cooling Off Leftovers
Before keeping leftovers inside your refrigerator, it would be best to cool them down after meals. This will help lessen the amount of heat added to the refrigerator. It is also best to store the food in containers to avoid any residual heat from going into your fridge. Just make sure to avoid the food from cooling out too long as this may cause spoilage.
Keeping the Doors Closed
No matter what kind of refrigerator you have, the best way to reduce energy usage is by keeping the doors closed. Standing in front of a fridge with the doors can shoot up your energy bill. As the cold air starts escaping from the fridge, it will require more and more energy to run so the fridge can maintain its intended temperature.
Before opening the doors, it would be best to decide which ones you need and get them all out in one go. This will help avoid you from opening the doors too often.
Organise and Declutter Your Refrigerator
Remember that if your refrigerator is organised and clutter-free, it is easier to find everything inside. You don’t have to open the doors for too long, thus reducing energy use. When organising your fridge, it would be best to avoid placing large items on the top shelf. It would be best to place your most used items on the top so you can easily grab them.