How many holidays can actually help you save energy and money? Today is National Clean Out Your Fridge Day and while that may sound like a silly holiday to celebrate, it makes a lot of sense. For one, it’s the perfect time to clean out your fridge so it’s organized and prepared for the impending holiday season. Most refrigerators will be working extra hard during the holidays so there’s no sense in having a disorganized system in place.
While you clean out your refrigerator and remove all of the questionable items that may have been pushed to the back a few days (or weeks) ago, it’s the ideal time to put an organized system into practice. A clean and organized fridge means you and your family will spend less time with the door open searching for what you’re looking for. Less time with the door open means less energy is wasted, relieving the compressor that powers your refrigerator.
Energy-Saving Refrigerator Tips
- Don’t make your refrigerator work double duty by keeping it too cold. The recommended temperatures are 35°-38°F for the fresh food compartment and 0°F for the freezer section.
- Cover liquids and wrap all foods stored in the refrigerator. Uncovered foods and liquids can release moisture which can make your unit work harder.
- Use the top shelf for items you use often. Since they will be in the easiest area to access you’ll cut down on the amount of time your refrigerator door is open.
- Not all items need to be refrigerated, such as soy sauce, hot sauce or pickles. Some fruits and vegetables can be kept in a bowl on your countertop. Be sure to check the labels on your food to determine whether the items need to be refrigerated.
- When storing leftovers, wait for them to completely cool to store them in the refrigerator. Hot leftovers cause the refrigerator to heat up and make your compressor work harder.
- Storing larger items like food boxes or platters near the top of your refrigerator could cause them to trap heat and make your fridge work harder. Store them lower in the unit to maximize energy-efficiency.
- Check the rubber seal on the door. This seal protects your fridge from letting warm air come through. When the seal weakens or tears, your fridge starts to work harder to keep foods cold, which means higher energy bills and a shorter lifespan of the appliance.
