Your refrigerator is one of the few appliances that runs 24/7 — and that constant hum can quietly drive up your electric bill month after month. But what if a few simple changes could make a noticeable difference?
Whether you’re trying to be more energy-efficient or just looking to trim your monthly expenses, your fridge is a great place to start.
Here are 6 practical tips to help you save energy and keep your refrigerator running efficiently — without sacrificing performance.
🧊 1. Set the Right Temperature — Not Too Cold!
Many people think “colder is better,” but that’s not always true when it comes to your fridge.
- Recommended temperature:
- Fridge: 37°F (3°C)
- Freezer: 0°F (-18°C)
Any colder than that, and you’re just making your appliance work harder — using more energy for no real benefit.
👉 Tip: Use a simple appliance thermometer to check the accuracy of your settings.
🚪 2. Keep the Door Closed (Seriously)
We’ve all done it — standing there with the fridge door open, staring into the abyss trying to decide what to eat.
But every second that door stays open, warm air rushes in and makes your fridge work harder to cool things back down.
- Avoid browsing with the door open
- Organize your fridge so you can find things quickly
- Teach kids to grab what they need and shut the door fast
📦 3. Don’t Overpack (Or Underfill) It
A full fridge actually holds its temperature better — but only if air can still circulate. If it’s overstuffed, vents get blocked and cooling becomes uneven.
On the flip side, an empty fridge doesn’t retain cold air well, causing the compressor to kick in more often.
Ideal balance: Keep it around 70–80% full for optimal energy efficiency.
🧽 4. Clean the Coils Regularly
This is a maintenance task most people skip — but it’s a biggie.
Dust, pet hair, and grime can build up on your refrigerator’s condenser coils (usually behind or underneath the unit). When they’re dirty, your fridge can’t release heat properly and ends up using more power.
Solution:
Unplug the fridge, pull it away from the wall, and use a coil brush or vacuum attachment to clean them. Do this every 6 months.
🌬️ 5. Let Hot Food Cool Before Storing
Placing steaming leftovers straight into the fridge might seem harmless, but it forces your appliance to work harder to regulate the internal temperature.
Instead, allow food to cool down to room temp (within safe limits) before placing it inside. It’s safer for your food — and easier on your fridge.
⚡ 6. Upgrade to an Energy-Efficient Model
If your refrigerator is 10 years or older, chances are it’s using more energy than it should — even if it’s still running fine.
Newer ENERGY STAR® certified models use up to 40% less energy than older units. While an upgrade is an investment, the savings on your power bill can pay off over time.
Plus, newer models often come with better insulation, smarter compressors, and improved temperature control.
💡 Final Thought: A Little Effort = Real Savings
Your refrigerator might not seem like a big energy hog, but over time, small changes add up. By being a bit more mindful — and performing some basic maintenance — you can keep your fridge efficient and your electric bill lower.
🛠️ Need Refrigerator Maintenance or Repair?
At Ali Appliance Repair, we help homeowners get the most life and performance out of their appliances. Whether your fridge is running too much, making strange noises, or just not cooling right — we’re here to help.
📞 Contact us today for same-day service in your area.
