19 |
Like other appliances that
heat and cool, refrigerators are big energy
users. If your refrigerator door does not
shut tightly, check the door seal to see
if it needs to be cleaned or replaced. A
door leak allows cool air to escape, forcing
your refrigerator to use more energy to
keep food cold. |
| |
20 |
Cleaning
the condenser coils found in the back or
bottom of the refrigerator will maximize
its efficiency. A brush or vacuum can be
used. Be sure to unplug the refrigerator
before you start cleaning. |
| |
| 21 |
Keep
the refrigerator away from heating appliances
(ovens and dishwashers), windows, and heating
ducts. Direct exposure to heat forces the
unit to work harder and use more energy. |
| |
22 |
When purchasing a new refrigerator consider
a high efficiency model. Compare yellow
EnergyGuide labels and choose the unit that
uses the least amount of electricity. |
| |
| 23 |
A freezers efficiency is increased by
keeping its compartment full. Be careful
not to block the fan that allows cold air
to circulate. |
| |
24 |
Although automatic defrost refrigerators
are convenient, their defrosting features
use a lot of electricity. A manual defrost
refrigerator typically uses 36% less energy. |
| |
| 25 |
Check temperature settings for the most
efficient appliance operation. Refrigerator
temperature should be 36-38 degrees and
freezer temperature should be 0-5 degrees. |