Maintaining an energy efficient refrigerator

Appliances account for about 20 percent of a household’s annual electricity use. (Union of Concerned Scientists Green Tips, February 2007)

Refrigerator/Freezer

• Keep your refrigerator away from heat sources (including dishwashers, ovens, heating vents, and direct sunlight), which cause it to work harder to keep its contents cold.
  
  
• Leave a few inches of space behind the refrigerator to ensure proper air circulation around the condenser coils, and vacuum the coils at least once a year.
  
  
• Open the door as little as possible to minimize the amount of cold air that escapes.
  
  
• Don’t keep your refrigerator or freezer too cold, which can waste energy. Recommended temperatures are between 37 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit (ºF) for refrigerators and 5 ºF for freezers.
  
  
• Keep the refrigerator and freezer full to better retain the cold. If your refrigerator is fairly empty, store water-filled containers inside.