Some of the most power-consuming appliances in Australian homes are fridges and freezers. They are running 24*7 hours, to keep the edibles fresh. If you want to save power and cut costs with smart cooling strategies, making some practical tweaks can significantly reduce power consumption, bringing more eco-consciousness to your lifestyle.
Fridge energy-saving tips
1. Keep Your Freezer Full – But Not Packed
For running your fridges and freezers more efficiently, keeping them reasonably full is better as some airy space helps maintain a steady temperature. However, over packing the freezer can restrict the airflow, making the fridge motor work harder. Hence, using better organisation and allowing the cool air to circulate throughout is one of the best freezer energy-saving tips.
2. Set the Right Temperature
Most home-dwellers think keeping the fridge icy cold is the only preservation solution. But it is not true. The ideal temperature range of a refrigerator is 3°C to 5°C, and -15°C to -18°C for freezers. Anything colder not only wastes energy but also spoils the food faster. Here are some quick fridge energy-saving tips:
- Too cold temperatures waste energy
- Reviewing the temperature settings frequently is essential
- Keep temperatures higher in winter
3. Avoid Frequently Opening the Fridge
Most of the time we are undecided, and we keep opening the fridge frequently for every item. This lets warm air rush into the fridge, making the units work harder to cool down again. Planning ahead before reaching the fridge for items is a better option. It lets the door remain open only for a short time. Encouraging the kids to follow the same can also be helpful.
4. Let Hot Food Cool Before Storing
One of the most unwise choices we make every day is - placing hot food straight into the fridge or freezer. It raises the internal temperature, increasing energy consumption as the appliance struggles to balance out the heat by working harder. Hence, one of the practical freezer energy-saving tips is – letting cooked meals cool down to normal temperature before storing them in the refrigerator.
5. Check the Seals
A worn or loose door seal lets cold air escape, wasting energy. Run a quick test by closing the door on a piece of paper – it does not pull out easily with good seals. If you can easily pull out the paper, the door seals might require replacement. To keep seals functioning properly try these:
- Use the paper test to check door tightness
- Clean seals frequently to avoid dust and grime build-up
- Replace cracked or loose seals to prevent cold air escape
6. Defrost Regularly
Most of the latest freezers are equipped with auto-defrost technology. However, if you are using the older models, defrost it manually when the ice becomes thicker than 5mm.
7. Keep Fridges Away from Heat Sources
Keep your kitchen setting in such a way that fridges stay away from ovens, direct sunlight, dishwashers, or heat vents. It will significantly reduce the pressure from the compressor.
8. Upgrade to an Energy-Efficient Model
If you are still running a fridge unit older than 10 years, consider upgrading to modern, energy-efficient fridges. Look for fridges with a high star rating under the Australian Energy Rating Label system – they’ll pay off in long-term savings.
To Sum Up
Your fridge or freezer can run efficiently with small adjustments and a bit of mindful living. It not only helps keep food safe but also fresh for longer due to reduced humidity. Start with our first tip today and notice the difference in your next energy bill!