Save Energy, Money and the Environment

Audio Tips

1) Refrigerators consume about 18% of all electricity in a typical California home.

2) A refrigerator or freezer that was purchased before 1993 can use up to 50% more electricity than a new ENERGY STAR® qualified model.

3) Recycling a refrigerator will also prevent the release of 60 pounds of carbon dioxide from polluting the air.

4.) The recommended temperature for your refrigerator should be between 10°F and 42°F, while the recommended temperature for the freezer is between 0°F and 5°F.

5.) Don't let the frost in your refrigerator get more than 1/4" thick. Frost acts as an insulator and forces your fridge or freezer to work harder. Auto-defrost refrigerators take care of this problem for you but use more energy.

6.) Turn Power Save to OFF and set the Humidity Control to DRY. (These switches control a heater that prevents sweating or condensation around the refrigerator door in humid geographic areas.)

7.) Make sure your refrigerator and freezer doors seal airtight. Close a dollar bill or piece of paper in the door. If it pulls out easily, your refrigerator may need a door hinge adjustment or a new gasket.

8.) Vacuum the refrigerator coils twice a year (or more if you have long-haired pets). Dirty coils make the refrigerator work harder and use more energy.