Home Improvement Skills & Specialties Electrical Appliances

Increase the Efficiency of Your Refrigerator

Efficient refrigerator filled with fresh produce and groceries

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Whether your fridge is new or old—there's a way to increase the efficiency of any refrigerator. Here's how to do it.

  • 01 of 11

    Increase Your Temperature Settings

    Refrigerator interior settings including cold, recommended setting, and colder.

    Erin Huffstetler

    There's a good chance that the temperature in your fridge is set lower than it needs to be. A refrigerator temperature of 37 degrees Fahrenheit and a freezer temperature of 0 degrees Fahrenheit will keep your food from spoiling, without causing you to spend unnecessarily (that's usually the middle setting on the temperature knob).

    To test the temperature of your refrigerator, place a thermometer in a glass of water, and check it the next day (or after the fridge has been closed for at least eight hours). To test the temperature of your freezer, place a thermometer between two frozen foods; then, check it after eight hours.

    Note: It can take up to 24 hours for a temperature change to take effect.

    Do you want to save even more? According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, refrigerator settings can safely be set as high as 40 degrees Fahrenheit, while freezer settings can be set as high as 5 degrees Fahrenheit.

  • 02 of 11

    Turn off the Ice Maker

    Above view of an ice maker.

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    Did you know that an automatic ice maker increases a refrigerator's energy use by 14 to 20 percent? That's crazy! If yours has this feature, consider turning it off, and going back to ice cube trays.

  • 03 of 11

    Turn off the Anti-Sweat Heater

    Exterior of refrigerator door with blue sticky note.

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    Fridges manufactured after 1993 often include a switch that lets you choose between an exterior moisture-reducing mode and an energy-saving mode. What's the difference? Set your fridge to the exterior moisture-reducing mode and a heater will kick on to keep condensation off the outside of the fridge; set your fridge to the energy-saving mode and it won't—an energy-savings of 5 to 10 percent.

    Note: If you have a newer refrigerator, it may have automatic moisture control, which eliminates exterior condensation without the use of a heater.

  • 04 of 11

    Don't Store Stuff on Top of the Fridge

    Kitchen with light blue refrigerator.

    Nadia Mackenzie / ArcaidImages / Getty Images

    Placing cereal boxes and other junk on top of your refrigerator could block heat from escaping, and cause the compressor to work harder than it's supposed to–that's not good for your electric bill or the lifespan of your fridge.

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  • 05 of 11

    Check the Door for a Good Seal

    Man looking into refrigerator while standing at kitchen.
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    Close the door on a dollar bill or a piece of paper. If you're able to pull it out easily, your refrigerator's gasket needs to be adjusted or replaced to prevent cold air from escaping (and to prevent frost from building up inside the freezer).

  • 06 of 11

    Clean the Condenser Coils

    Vacuum with a cat nearby.

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    Vacuum the refrigerator coils several times a year to maintain the efficiency of the compressor. Make it a monthly task if you share your home with furry pets.

  • 07 of 11

    Move Your Fridge Away From All Heat Sources

    Refrigerator next to an open dishwasher.

    Donald Iain Smith / Moment / Getty Images

    Avoid placing your refrigerator next to the oven, dishwasher, or a heat vent. Also, avoid placing it near a window. All of that extra heat will cause it to run more frequently, which will add to your utility bill, and wear out your fridge sooner.

  • 08 of 11

    Keep Your Fridge Organized

    Woman with an open freezer door.

    Image Source / Getty Images

    When you're able to find things quickly, you don't have to keep the door open for long. Try to create designated spots for all the foods you buy regularly, so everyone in your household will know where to find things.

    To cut down on the amount of time the freezer door is open, consider  creating a freezer inventory list that you can stick on the door. As long as you keep it updated, you won't have to spend a bunch of time digging around in the freezer.

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  • 09 of 11

    Don't Store Open Containers

    Woman pulling unwrapped food from the fridge.

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    Placing open drinks and food containers in the fridge increases the internal moisture levels and makes the compressor work harder. Train your family to cover everything before it goes in, and you'll also prevent foods from contamination.

  • 10 of 11

    Keep Your Fridge Full

    A refrigerator full of food.

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    It takes less work to maintain the temperature in a full refrigerator. Just make sure your fridge isn't so full that it prevents good air circulation (three-quarters full is a good rule of thumb).

  • 11 of 11

    Allow Space for Air Flow

    Man opening a red refrigerator.

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    Place the back of your refrigerator at least two inches from the wall to allow heat to move away from the condenser coils. Trapped heat will cause your fridge to run more frequently.