A refrigerator's power consumption contributes about 20% to a power bill. This document describes simple tips and tricks to optimize a refrigerator's power consumption.

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Tips and Tricks to reduce your refrigerator’s power
consumption
BY GUIDES AUTHOR · HTTP://GUIDES.CONZUMR.COM
Are you aware that the refrigerator, a home appliance, that runs day in and day out on
energy could amount to almost 20 percent of your monthly electricity bill!! Now
wouldn’t you like to reduce your power consumption? Here are some simple
precautions if taken while maintaining your fridge/ freezer would help you save up to
30 percent of electricity consumed by your refrigerator!
Advantage of energy efficient model:Refrigerators are graded by the Indian Bureau
of Energy Efficiency also known as BEE rating. The energy efficiency of a model is
indicated by a star sticker or a label on the product, user manual or catalogue
depending upon its gradation. A model with a 5 star rating is highly energy efficient
as it consumes about 15 percent less energy than a 4 star rated unit which in turn is
better than a 3 star graded unit and so on. Therefore it is advisable to buy a better star
rated appliance.
Top or Bottom mounted Freezer: This unit would consume 20 percent less energy
as compared to two door side by side refrigerator. As an automatic ice maker again
consumes double the electricity try and avoid one if you don’t need it!
Location of refrigerator/freezer: Place your appliance in a cool place. Exposure to
unwanted heat from an oven, sunlight etc would require the unit to use more energy in

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order to remain cool. For proper circulation of air, place refrigerators at least a couple
of inches from the walls of your kitchen so that the heat generated by the
refrigerator’s cooling system can escape into the air.
Storage: Fill the fridge / freezer to maximum capacity but leaving enough room for
air to circulate. This will enable it to hold the temperature for a longer period of time
during power cuts too!
Temperature of the food to be stored: Always cool hot food to room temperature
before storing in the fridge/freezer as hot food would take in the cold air from the
fridge/freezer causing the unit to work harder in order to maintain its temperature.
Optimize opening of refrigerator: Fridges consume more electricity if they are kept
open for longer periods of time. If possible, train yourself to decide what you need
before opening the door and reduce the amount of time the refrigerator door is open. It
is also a good idea to label food items. This will help you to easily and quickly
identify them thus preventing the door from remaining open for a longer time.
Coil Maintenance: Unless cleaned regularly, dust and dirt accumulates around the
coils at the back or bottom of the appliance causing the compressor to work harder
and affecting the efficiency of the unit.

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Checking for air leakage: Carefully look for air escaping through damaged
refrigerator door seals and gaskets. This could cause the unit to constantly use so
much more power in order to maintain the temperature. To check for air leakage place
a piece of paper and close the door over it. If there is a leakage you will be able to pull
out the paper easily. Lubricating door seals with petroleum jelly is an easy way of
maintenance.
Defrosting Freezer regularly a must: Frost built up is not good as it increases the
power consumed by the unit in order to keep its motor running. In case of manual
defrost refrigerators, frost has to be removed normally twice a year.
Maintain an ideal temperature: We have found that 37 – 40 degrees F are ideal for
the refrigerator and 0 – 5 degrees F for the freezer.
Advantage of automatic moisture control: This helps prevent the moisture from
accumulating on the exterior of the cabinet without the requirement of a heater.
How to store food: All liquids and foods should be covered to prevent them from
releasing moisture which would otherwise cause the compressor to work harder.