8 ways to improve your fridge's energy efficiency

When your refrigerator is doing its job—keeping your food chilled and fresh—you don’t even think about it. But when you see freezer burn on your ice cream or a higher-than-normal electric bill, it’s time to check the efficiency of your fridge. 

Electricity bills are at an all-time high in the U.S.—the monthly average is between $115 and -$160, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Your refrigerator could account for up to 10% of that total. Want to make sure your fridge is working its best and lower your bill? We’ll walk you through what to do. 

Maintain your fridge 

Your fridge will last longer and run more efficiently with regular cleaning and maintenance. Here are a few tips for maintaining your fridge:

• Clean the condenser coils. Unplug your fridge, grab your vacuum, and clean your fridge’s condenser coils at least twice a year—more often if you have pets in the home. Depending on the model, the coils will be located on the back of the fridge or at the base.
• Lubricate your fridge door gasket. Clean and apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly as needed to keep the strip around the refrigerator door well sealed. 
• Regularly clean the vents. Wipe down the vents with a damp cloth to allow air to circulate.  

Set the right temperature

Check the thermostat setting to ensure it’s set at the correct temperature—the ideal range for max efficiency is between 34 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Load your fridge properly 

Aim for a fridge that’s about three-quarters full. If it’s too empty, there’s not enough cold food to help keep the temperature low. If it’s too full, items may block air vents and reduce energy efficiency. That said, it will save energy if you keep your freezer as full as possible. 

Keep the door shut

If you leave the doors open for long periods of time, your appliance will need to work harder and consume more energy. 

Make room for your fridge

Make sure there’s plenty of space—at least 2 or 3 inches—between your fridge and the wall. Proper ventilation will help your appliance run more efficiently. 

Defrost your fridge regularly

Refrigerators that don’t have an automatic defrost setting typically use less energy than models that do, but they must be manually defrosted to work their best. Manually defrost your fridge when the ice becomes ¼ inch thick. 

Use power-saving features

Refrigerators with an antisweat heater consume 5% to 10% more energy than other models. If your fridge has an energy-saver switch, you can turn down the heating coils or turn them all the way off. 

Upgrade to a smart fridge 

A smart fridge connects to your home network and smart home system and offers features like energy-efficient lighting and built-in energy savers that can save you money on your electric bill. Most smart refrigerators cost more upfront than standard models, but the longer you keep your appliance, the more savings you’ll see. 

Is your refrigerator not running exactly right? Check out our helpful guides if your fridge is too hot or if your fridge is too cold.