How to Improve the Energy Efficiency of your Refrigerator

How to Improve the Energy Efficiency of your RefrigeratorYour 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.

Are You Thinking of Buying a Home in Dubois County?

Use our site to search homes for sale in Jasper, Dubois, Spencer, Martin and Davis counties and all of our surrounding areas. Unlike the “big name” sites out there, at Sell 4 Free Welsh Realty our site is directly connected to our local MLS and is updated with new homes every hour. By signing up for New Listing alerts you can stay on top of the newest homes for sale and get price change alerts so you can stay ahead of other buyers and beat them to the hottest deals!

Start your Home Search now

Popular Jasper Indiana Home Searches:

Newest Homes for Sale in Dubois County

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

Unbelievable is the only word that can describe this 4 bedroom, 3 1/2 bath home built in 2024 on 13.14 acres located just 12 minutes from Patoka Lake, in Birdseye, Indiana.  If you are looking for that perfect home on acreage in the country with top of the line everything, or an AMAZING weekend getaway by Patoka, then look no further.  This custom built home features 3031 square feet of finished living space with Bosch appliances, granite counter tops, hardwood floors and tile showers that will satisfy the most particular of owners.  Enjoy the new pond, do some hunting on the surrounding wooded acres, camp on the open ground, and then clean up in the free standing outside bath house.  Wired with an alarm and security system and cameras and wired for a generator if you so choose to add one, this home has had attention to every detail imaginable.  The massive open kitchen/dining/living room lends to great entertaining.  The basement has a large overhead garage door to the living area for great entertaining / grilling / possible boat storage in the winter.  The master bedroom is on the first floor adjacent to the laundry room, and bedrooms 2 & 3 are in the lower level with the 4th bedroom on the upper level.  This magnificent home has so much to offer and is ready for immediate possession. $849,000 Active

5925 S Kyana Road Birdseye, Indiana

4 Beds 4 Baths 3,031 SqFt 13.14 Acres

Listing courtesy of Andrew Welsh from SELL4FREE-WELSH REALTY CORPORATION.

Beautifully remodeled 3 bedroom, 1 bath home in downtown Jasper. As you step inside, you will instantly appreciate all the modern touches. Painted with grey and white tones, maintenance free flooring on the main level, updated kitchen, refrigerator, range, microwave and stackable washer/dryer are included. The bathroom features a  newer walk-in shower. Two bedrooms are located on the main level and a third bedroom or bonus room is located upstairs. Covered front and back porches lend shade for those hot summer days. Spacious back yard and a place to park off the alley way are added bonuses. Walking distance to shopping, restaurants, park, public pool and library. $162,000 Active

321 W 8th Street Jasper, Indiana

3 Beds 1 Baths 1,405 SqFt 0.11 Acres

Listing courtesy of Brenda Welsh from SELL4FREE-WELSH REALTY CORPORATION.

THE PERFECT BLEND OF COUNTRY CHARM AND CITY CONVENIENCE!  Enjoy peaceful living with modern amenities just minutes from town—Patoka water, natural gas, fiber internet, and low property taxes, all just seven minutes from Walmart. Historic French lick and Patoka Lake are only minutes away.    Welcome to this beautifully updated 4-bedroom, 1.5-bath home set on a serene 1.73-acre lot, bordered by tranquil woods and open farmland. Thoughtfully landscaped with LED accent lighting, the curb appeal is just the beginning. Inside, you'll find a stylishly remodeled kitchen and baths, complemented by updated flooring that flows throughout the home. Modern appliances make for an effortless move-in experience. Step outside to your backyard oasis: an above-ground pool with a large deck perfect for warm-weather gatherings and weekend relaxation. The covered front porch and private back deck offer peaceful retreats for morning coffee or evening sunsets.   Additional highlights include:  Concrete driveway leading to a spacious attached 2-car garage, Full unfinished basement and a huge easily accessible attic for ample storage. Recent upgrades: roof (2019), new windows (2024), furnace and central air system (2020), Exterior security cameras.   This home delivers comfort, space, and convenience without compromising your connection to nature. $389,900 Active

149 E State Road 56 Jasper, Indiana

4 Beds 2 Baths 3,527 SqFt 1.73 Acres

Listing courtesy of Opal Sermersheim from SELL4FREE-WELSH REALTY CORPORATION.