Whether you’re hosting a barbecue for the neighborhood this Canada Day,
or simply trying to save some money on your electric bill, there’s a lot you can do to make sure you’re fridge runs efficiently.
Regardless of the time of year, improper temperature monitoring, inefficient power usage and a lack of compressor maintenance will all add up to increasing your utility bills.
Check out my quick tips below to ensure maximum efficiency when it comes to your refrigerator, so you can get the most out of your appliances.
And if you think that your fridge has an efficiency problem, call a fridge repair in Winnipeg today.
Check the door seals
The seal around the door is one of the most important parts of a refrigerator because it keeps cold air inside and prevents warm air from entering.
This can help reduce your utility bills by keeping your refrigerator operating at peak efficiency.
If you notice any gaps in the seal or if it is cracked, remove the old seal and replace it with a new one.
Keep it full, but not overcrowded
If your refrigerator is too full, it will not be able to maintain the temperature in the back wall where the compressor lives.
Also, if there are too many items in the door of your refrigerator, it will have trouble staying closed properly and can sometimes cause damage to the hinges or door seals.
If you’re not sure how much space you need, use the hand test. If you can fit your whole hand inside an empty refrigerator shelf with enough room between items for air flow, then it’s time to buy more food!
Don’t overload on leftovers. Leftovers don’t need to be kept in the refrigerator forever (unless they contain meat).
When you take out leftovers from the fridge, put them back in their original containers and store them in your freezer until you’re ready to use them again.
Check expiration dates and only buy what you need.
This will help keep food waste down and ensure that your food stays fresh longer than if it were thrown away prematurely because it was forgotten at the bottom of the fridge or freezer drawer when it went bad.
Keep the vents clear so cold air can circulate
Make sure water isn’t dripping into the vents, which will cause mold and mildew to grow inside the unit.
Condensation can also form on the walls of the refrigerator if there’s too much moisture in the air or if warm air is being pushed into cold areas of the unit through ventilation openings.
This not only wastes energy but can also lead to rusting or corrosion of parts in your refrigerator or freezer compartments.
Keep condenser coils clean
These are the metal fins on the back of your refrigerator.
Dust and dirt buildup reduces their efficiency by 10 to 15 percent. You can use an oven cleaner like Easy Off or Mr.
Clean to clean them once a year, or wipe them with a damp cloth every few months.
Set the temperature for 38 degrees F for the main compartment and 5 degrees F for the freezer compartment.
Your refrigerator will use less energy if the temperature is set correctly.
This can be done by adjusting an internal thermostat or by placing a thermometer in each compartment to monitor temperature levels.
With proper care and a few quick tips, you can keep your refrigerator running at peak efficiency.
Just remember to clean the coils once every few months or so, and to set the temperature controls to fit the seasons.
These tips should help you keep your kitchen running cool and efficiently, while keeping energy costs low.
