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:

Welcome home! This well maintained and regularly serviced 4 bedroom 1930s home that has stayed within 3 generations of the same family is up for grabs! Bring your vision as you step into this gorgeous home with original trim and French doors between the dining and living rooms, 9' ceilings, strong bones, welcoming front porch, and relaxing 3 seasons patio. Replacement windows allow for plenty of natural light. The open floor plan basement houses the laundry, sink, and toilet. An oversized 2 car detached garage goes perfect with the brick home as well as four additional rock parking spaces- two on the west and 2 on the northeast of the house. A smaller shed that was once used as a smoke house and garden tools storage is next to the detached. More! A 1.90 acre lot is included to do with as you please! There is a partial chainlink fence lining the three sides of the rear half of the lot. Tall cedars line a part of the the west for privacy.

$219,000 Active

1281 E 2nd Avenue Jasper, Indiana

4 Beds 2 Baths 1,250 SqFt 1.900 Acres

Listing courtesy of Keasha Fromme from Carpenter Realty LLC.

This nice, well kept home in the heart of Huntingburg is sure to please. There are two bedrooms on the main level, and large bedroom upstairs. The custom headboard and built-in bunk stay with the house. The oversized living room and dining area have beautiful hardwood floors. Upstairs is a den that is currently being used as a 4th bedroom. The basement provides an abundance of storage, and has direct access to the garage. Outside is a child's paradise with large yard and basketball goal with concrete pad.

$174,900 Active

105 E 1st Street Huntingburg, Indiana

3 Beds 2 Baths 2,080 SqFt 0.290 Acres

Listing courtesy of Steve Lukemeyer from F.C. TUCKER EMGE.

Welcome home to Huntingburg's desirable Hunter's Crossing neighborhood! This pristine 1564 square foot ranch has 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths with a thoughtfully designed layout. The open concept design and vaulted ceilings in the living and kitchen areas add to the spacious feel of this home. The living area has large windows which overlook the stunning in-ground pool. A gas fireplace with floor to ceiling stone surround makes an impressive statement in the living area. The living area is open to the kitchen which has an island with sink and dishwasher for convenience. The kitchen has beautiful granite countertops, stainless appliances, and space above the cabinets for decor. Off the kitchen is the lovely dining area, which also overlooks the pool and has a door that opens to the covered patio. The owner's suite which is off the living area also overlooks the pool and has vaulted ceilings. An ensuite bath off the owner's suite has a jetted tub, walk-in shower, and huge walk-in closet. Two additional bedrooms and a second full bath are on the opposite side of the home for more privacy. A nice laundry room is off the foyer and leads to the two-car garage with extra space. Out back, the 18'x36' in-ground saltwater pool with automatic cover and heater makes this home an absolute perfect place to entertain! A large patio and beautiful black metal fence surround the pool area. There is also a covered patio as well for enjoying the outdoors in the shade. A large back yard and nice utility shed rounds out this perfect property. Extremely budget-friendly utilities are a plus at this home. Budget for utilities including electric, gas, water, and sewer is only $268/month. Hurry or you will miss your chance at this lovely home that is convenient to everything!

$319,900 Active

210 W Stellar Way Huntingburg, Indiana

3 Beds 2 Baths 1,564 SqFt 0.300 Acres

Listing courtesy of Jennifer Fritz Wahl from ERA FIRST ADVANTAGE REALTY, INC.

How to Improve the Energy Efficiency of your Refrigerator