How to Improve the Energy Efficiency of your Refrigerator |

Your refrigerator is one of the biggest energy users in your home. Unfortunately, not everyone can afford to buy a new model and even new models can use more energy than they should. If your refrigerator isn’t properly cared for, or placed in the right location, it can cost you even more, regardless of age. The good news is you can quickly make your refrigerator more energy-efficient.

Clean the Coils

The kitchen can be a dirty place, especially if you saute or fry foods. The grease can cover all the surfaces, including the coils of your refrigerator. This allows dust a better chance to build up, which in turn causes more heat to build up. When there is excess heat, the refrigerator has to work harder to keep your food cold. To clean the coils, move your refrigerator away from the wall and vacuum the coils several times per year.

Check the Seal

Checking the seal is easy. All you need to do is place a dollar bill in the refrigerator and close the door. If you can easily pull the dollar bill from the door, you need to replace the seal. When the seal isn’t strong, you’re losing cold air from the fridge and cause the unit to work harder.

Turn Off the Ice Maker

The ice maker can use up to 14 to 20% of your refrigerator’s total energy use. As one of the biggest energy users in the house, that can really add up. If you want to easily save energy, unplug the ice maker. You can always purchase a bag of ice at the store or break out the old school ice trays.

Move Away From the Stove

Housing a refrigerator next to the stove requires your refrigerator to work much harder when you’re cooking. If at all possible, you want to move your refrigerator to a location in the kitchen that isn’t next to a heat source. This includes the dishwasher and heat vents.

Stop Storing Things on Top

If you have a small kitchen, it can be tempting to take advantage of every nook and cranny for storage. Unfortunately, placing items on top of the fridge can prevent heat from escaping from the back, which will cause your fridge to work harder. Another tip that falls into this category is to also avoid putting your refrigerator into a cubby hole that doesn’t allow proper ventilation.

Keep Your Fridge Organized

Last, but not least, take the time to organize your fridge so that you can open it and find what you need. The longer you have the refrigerator open, the more energy is required to bring it back to the right temperature. While you’re organizing, also make sure that the fridge isn’t too full. If the fridge is too full, air cannot circulate and your refrigerator will have to work harder.

You may not need to buy a new refrigerator to save money. You can greatly improve a refrigerator’s energy-efficiency by following these tips. Sometimes it’s as easy as cleaning the coils and replacing the seal. Regardless, these tips can help you save big on your energy costs.

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Newest Homes for Sale in Dubois County

View the newest homes listed in Dubois County in the last 10 days:

Rare opportunity to own this 3 Bedroom 1.5 Bath 1-Story Home with a Full Partially Finished Basement on 1.12 Acres of Land! This home has 1392 sf of living space on the main level and a full basement that only needs new flooring to make it a great rec room or family room. The spare room in the basement could also be used as a potential 4th bedroom. The kitchen has plenty of cabinets, countertop space, breakfast bar, and comes complete with the appliances. Off the kitchen you will see the laundry room and the half bath. The washer and dryer are included. The dining area is very spacious and can accommodate a large kitchen table. The front living room has wood/laminate flooring and a large window to let in plenty of natural light. Down the hallway you will find the 3 bedrooms and Full Bath with a double sink vanity and tub/shower combo. The main bedroom has it's own private entrance into the full bathroom. The basement has lots of potential and only needs some carpet or other type of flooring to be completely finished. It has plenty of space to be used as a recreational room, or family room. There is an additional room with a closet that could be used as an office, bedroom, or just for storage. No need to worry about parking with the 2-car attached garage that has an entry directly into the kitchen, and the 3-car detached garage. With over an acre of land, this home is perfect for outdoor activities, including entertaining family and/or friends and having cookouts on the backyard concrete patio.

$275,000 Active

7182 N Portersville Road Jasper, Indiana

3 Beds 2 Baths 1,392 SqFt 1.120 Acres

Listing courtesy of Michael Fisher from 4Realty, LLC.

As you enter this 2019 Jagoe home, you are welcomed into the spacious kitchen with stainless steel appliances, beautiful cabinetry, and a large kitchen island. This craftsman-style home features a beautifully maintained interior, an abundance of natural light, and incorporates a flow-through dining and living area. The 3 bedroom, 2 bath split floor plan gives you the perfect amount of privacy and space you are looking for. Adding to the home's appeal are the luxury vinyl floors throughout the main spaces, a spacious 2-car garage, and a professionally landscaped yard that features a patio.

$249,000 Active

110 W Raider Court Huntingburg, Indiana

3 Beds 2 Baths 1,380 SqFt 0.160 Acres

Listing courtesy of Judy Gosman from RE/MAX Local.

$299,000 Active

315 E First Avenue Huntingburg, Indiana

4 Beds 2 Baths 2,320 SqFt 0.259 Acres

Listing courtesy of Stacey Thieman-Wright from THIEMAN REALTY.