Appliances

Here are some tips about refrigerator care and energy efficiency:
The average refrigerator consumes more energy than any other household appliance. Americans spend over $10 billion annually, alone, to supply energy to their household refrigerators. The following tips will save on costs and reduce your carbon (energy) footprint:

• Clean the filter and coils annually: Most people rarely, if ever, get around to cleaning out the filter and coils on the back of the fridge. A dusty coil can increase energy consumption by 20 percent or more.
• Keep the fridge full but not stuffed: A fridge and freezer will be able to retain their coolness better if they're full. If you're not at full capacity, place a few containers of water in the freezer.
• Think about what you want before you open the fridge. Every time you open the fridge to browse for a snack, you consume around of 9 to 13 watt/hours, which is enough power to light a 60-watt bulb for 10 minutes.
• Let hot items cool before placing them in the refrigerator.
• Defrost the freezer regularly.
• Check the door gasket for a tight seal.
• Cover liquids and foods stored in the refrigerator. Uncovered foods release moisture and make the compressor work harder.
• If your fridge is older than 15 years, get a new one. You're adding so much on your electric bill, you'll actually save energy and costs. New models use less energy than a 75-watt light bulb.