"Close That Fridge Door!" 7 Tips for Saving Energy with Your Fridge

Refrigerators account for a large portion of household energy use because they run 24 hours per day, seven days a week. Ensuring your fridge is running efficiently can make a big difference on your power bill.

Choosing the Right Fridge

Today’s refrigerators are much better energy performers than older models because of superior design, more efficient compressors and better insulation and door seals which help improve energy efficiency.

The best energy performers are ENERGY STAR qualified refrigerators which must exceed Government of Canada minimum efficiency levels by at least fifteen percent. ENERGY STAR qualified refrigerators are available in every category – including all sizes of standard and compact models.

7 Energy- and Money-Saving Tips for Your Fridge

Besides purchasing a new refrigerator, there are simple changes that you can make to your old one to ensure that it is running as efficiently as possible.

Get rid of the old, inefficient fridge in the basement. It is wasting up to $120 – $150 per year in electricity. When discarding your older refrigerator, check with your municipality about pick-up and recycling programs.
Don’t overcool your food. Set your refrigerator temperature between 1.7 and 3.3°C and the freezer compartment at -18°C for maximum efficiency and food safety.
Let food cool before putting it in the refrigerator. This way, the refrigerator won’t have to work as hard to keep the food cold.
Don’t force your refrigerator to work harder than necessary. By locating it near a heat source, such as a radiator, heating vent, kitchen range or dishwasher, you are forcing it to use more energy to stay cool.
Check if the refrigerator doors are sealing properly. To do this, close the door on a piece of paper and then try to remove the paper. If it slides out or moves easily, adjust the door or replace the seal.
Clean the coils regularly to make sure air can circulate freely. When dust and pet hair build up on your refrigerator’s condenser coils, the motor works harder and uses more electricity.
Make space for your fridge’s ventilation coils at the back. Refrigerator motors and compressors generate heat, so allow enough space for continuous airflow around your refrigerator.

Remember that your refrigerator is a continuously using energy, so try and make it as efficient as possible- it will help to save you some money!