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:

Welcome to this beautiful craftsman style two story home in Hunters Crossing in Huntingburg! You're greeted by amazing curb appeal and a covered front porch, and you enter the home into a spacious entry way. The main living space is completely open concept and perfect for entertaining! The light & bright living room features two large windows, and gorgeous laminate plank flooring runs throughout the entire main floor. The kitchen has an island, stainless steel appliances, and plenty of cabinet storage. On the main floor, you'll also find a half bath and a large laundry room. The primary bedroom features a private en-suite bathroom with double vanity and shower. There are two additional bedrooms, along with a bonus room that could be a 4th bedroom. You'll also love the large back yard!

$290,000 Active

221 W Stellar Way Huntingburg, Indiana

4 Beds 3 Baths 2,152 SqFt 0.170 Acres

Listing courtesy of Trae Dauby from Dauby Real Estate.

A 3 bedroom 2 full bath brick home that sits on .49 acres in Jasper's Wind Song Estates. This home has a two car attached garage and a single detached garage that could be used for storage or a work shop. Beautiful columns are a focal point in the living room and kitchen area has an eat at peninsula bar and stainless steel appliances. This is a great location to the schools and very close to the new restaurants.

$274,900 Active

1443 Dexter Court Jasper, Indiana

3 Beds 2 Baths 1,365 SqFt 0.490 Acres

Listing courtesy of Adam Boyd from BOYD REALTY & DEVELOPMENT LLC.

Country living with large lot in a cul-de-sac in Ireland area. A beautiful neighorhood, not far from schools, shops, and restaurants. This all brick home features 3780 finished square feet, 5-6 bedrooms with 3 full and 1 half baths. Inside this home you find a kitchen with beauiful oak cabinetry, corian counter tops, a middle island with chairs, tile floors, Moen faucet. A large dining room with wood floor leads through the french doors to all glass sunroom with wood trim that makes you feel like you're outside. The large living room with oak flooring has a gas fireplace. Still on the main level you have three bedrooms with large closets and a bathroom with all the modern features. The laundry room contains LG Smart washer and dryer. On the lower level, you will find large family room with possible fireplace (ask your realtor) play room, a full bath and more, a large storage area with a possible kitchen (it has cabinets and sink all you need is a refridgerator), three large rooms currently used as bedrooms with large closets. To finish off the main level you have large two car garage with work table, many opportunities for storage for fishing poles, wrenches etc. A large storage closet adds extra opportunities for your treasures. Outside side you will find a black metal archway with two trellises in flower garden that sits in backyard, along with a pergola, and a large wooden play ground set. Finally you will find 26' x 26' second 2 car detached garage that currently houses a large boat, cabinetry, work benches and more. This is a don't miss viewing!!!!!

$425,000 Active

4807 Killarney Court Jasper, Indiana

6 Beds 4 Baths 3,780 SqFt 0.570 Acres

Listing courtesy of Jake Mauntel from American Dream Mauntel Realty.