5 Tips To Make Your Fridge Run Efficiently
Running multiple appliances can lead to high electricity costs. Some household appliances, like refrigerators, have to operate non-stop in order to keep your food fresh. If you have equipment in your house that needs to be continually running, then you want to make sure that it is working efficiently and using as little electricity as possible.
Newer models of refrigerators utilize inverter technology that helps reduce the amount of power that the appliance consumes versus a conventional one. The compressors of inverter refrigerators can cycle at different speeds depending on the temperature it needs to maintain. Conventional, on the other hand, cycles its compressor at a constant speed. The variations of speed in the inverter allow it to adjust how much electricity it uses to meet what is needed.
Whether you have an inverter or a conventional refrigerator, any type of equipment that runs 24 hours a day, seven days a week requires careful maintenance and regular cleaning to keep it running at optimum efficiency. Keeping your refrigerator operating efficiently doesn’t just save you money on utility bills but it also prolongs the life of the motor so you can get the most out of your investment.
If you want to make sure your appliances are running optimally, here are several tips you should follow:
Don’t overstock it
While the refrigerator has many levels as well as shelves on the door for extra storage, filling your fridge to the brim can force it to work harder because it can’t circulate the cold air between your items. You can fill up your fridge, but don’t overcrowd it. You can help it along and tuck in a frozen bottle of water or drink to jumpstart the cooling process.
Cool your food before you put it inside
Your dinner leftovers or a freshly baked dessert should be allowed to cool to room temperature before you insert it into your refrigerator. Doing this not only preserves the food from trapping too much moisture in it, cooling the food down ensures you are not adding unnecessary burden by adding a heat source. Each time you put something new into the refrigerator, the compressor kicks into gear to lower and maintain the temperature inside.
Clean out your refrigerator at least twice a month
Every two to three weeks, make it a point to remove all the contents of your fridge and clean out the levels and partitions. Keeping your interiors clean can prevent bacteria and mold building up in the nooks and crannies. You can also take this opportunity to discard any expired or decaying food to prevent contamination and free up space inside.
Defrost your freezer regularly
Frost forms in your freezer from moisture from thawed food or any new food you introduce to it. Frost can also take up valuable space in your fridge and make it work overtime to regulate the temperature. Plan a defrost every few months, or if it reaches more than one centimeter in thickness. Be sure to allow the ice to melt rather than hacking it off, as sharp tools can damage the delicate interiors of your freezer.
Pull back the fridge and clean the coils
The condenser coils at the back perform the vital task of cooling the refrigerant that keeps temperatures inside your fridge low. Because they are tucked away at the back end of the appliance, they tend to collect dirt and dust over time. Dirty coils will not be able to release heat efficiently and will make the compressor work harder. Unplug the fridge and clean the coils regularly to ease the burden.
Most manufacturers offer only a one year warranty on your refrigerator parts and replacement. At optimal conditions, the fridge should last you anywhere from five to seven years before you should consider replacing it. Keeping your refrigerator running efficiently can help you minimize the cost to run it and maximize its useful life.
Are you looking for more ways to reduce the electricity cost of your fridge? Check out our website for more helpful tips and tricks in maintaining your refrigerators and freezers.