Other Ways You Might Be Wasting Electricity
You don’t need to replace your fridge to save energy — just avoid these common mistakes:
1. Placing the Fridge Too Close to Heat Sources
If your fridge sits next to an oven, microwave, or direct sunlight, it’s working overtime to cool down.
Fix: Keep at least 2–4 inches of space between the fridge and walls or appliances.
2. Leaving the Door Open Too Long
Every second the fridge door stays open, cold air escapes — and the compressor kicks in to compensate.
Fix: Get in and out quickly. Organize food so you know exactly where everything is.
3. Overloading or Underloading the Fridge
Too much food = poor circulation
Too little food = inefficient cooling
A well-stocked fridge cools better — but only when organized properly.
Fix: Fill empty spots with water bottles if you don’t have enough food — this stabilizes temperature and reduces warm air pockets.
4. Using Plastic Containers Instead of Glass or Ceramic
Plastic retains heat more easily than glass or ceramic — which means your fridge has to work harder to cool its contents.
Fix: Switch to glass containers . They preserve cold better and support energy efficiency.
5. Neglecting Regular Cleaning
Dust builds up on coils and vents — especially near the back or bottom — forcing the fridge to run longer and harder.
Fix: Clean the condenser coils every few months.
Wipe interior shelves regularly to prevent mold and odors.
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