Refrigerators Have a Hidden Energy-Saving Feature—Here’s How It Works
Refrigerators are an essential appliance in every household, working tirelessly 24/7 to keep food fresh and safe. However, they’re also one of the most energy-hungry devices in the home, consuming substantial electricity annually. But did you know that there’s a small, often-overlooked button or setting in your refrigerator that can help cut down energy usage during the winter months? Here’s everything you need to know about this hidden energy-saving trick and other tips to lower your electricity bill.
The Hidden Button: Adjusting Refrigerator Settings in Winter
During the winter, external temperatures drop, reducing the workload on your refrigerator. By adjusting the cooling settings to align with seasonal needs, you can save significant energy without compromising food preservation.
How to Adjust Refrigerator Temperature in Winter
Most modern refrigerators come equipped with cooling level settings ranging from 1 to 5 or 1 to 6. These levels allow users to control the internal temperature of the appliance.
- Summer Settings: Set the cooling level to maximum or near maximum to combat high ambient temperatures.
- Winter Settings: Reduce the cooling level to 1, 2, or 3. At level 1, the refrigerator maintains an internal temperature of approximately 2–5°C, sufficient to keep food fresh while consuming less energy.
By simply lowering the cooling level during the winter, you can reduce your refrigerator’s electricity consumption significantly, helping save on energy bills.
Key Considerations
- Food Storage: If the refrigerator is less full during winter, a lower cooling level suffices. Conversely, for a fully stocked fridge or when storing fresh foods like seafood, a higher cooling level may be necessary, especially for the freezer compartment (around -18°C).
- Humidity and Condensation: Make sure your refrigerator maintains optimal humidity levels to prevent frost buildup or food spoilage.
Additional Tips for Refrigerator Energy Efficiency
Beyond seasonal adjustments, there are other habits and strategies you can adopt to make your refrigerator more energy-efficient:
1. Optimize Placement
- Heat Dissipation: Refrigerators release heat from the back or sides. Ensure at least a few inches of space between the fridge and walls or obstacles for proper ventilation.
- Avoid Heat Sources: Place your refrigerator away from heat-generating devices like ovens, microwaves, or stoves. This prevents excessive energy use caused by external heat.
2. Minimize Door Openings
Opening the refrigerator door frequently or leaving it open for long periods causes cold air to escape. This forces the compressor to work harder to maintain the set temperature. To minimize this:
- Plan your refrigerator visits by grouping tasks (e.g., grabbing all ingredients at once).
- Keep the fridge organized so items are easy to locate.
3. Maintain Proper Air Circulation
Avoid overcrowding your refrigerator. Proper air circulation inside ensures even cooling and reduces the load on the compressor.
4. Defrost Regularly
If your refrigerator isn’t frost-free, make it a habit to defrost periodically. Frost buildup reduces efficiency and increases energy consumption.
5. Clean the Coils
The condenser coils at the back of the refrigerator can collect dust over time, impairing heat dissipation. Cleaning them regularly helps maintain efficiency.
How Much Can You Save?
According to Vietnam Electricity Corporation (EVN), a large refrigerator consumes approximately 50–75 kWh per month on average, making it one of the top three energy-consuming household appliances. By implementing the above strategies, including seasonal temperature adjustments, you could save 10–20% on your refrigerator’s energy consumption.
Here’s a quick example:
- A refrigerator consuming 75 kWh per month could reduce its usage by 7.5–15 kWh with proper adjustments, equating to noticeable savings on your electricity bill.
Final Thoughts
While refrigerators are indispensable, they don’t have to be an energy drain. Adjusting the cooling settings during winter, combined with smart placement and usage habits, can significantly cut electricity costs. This small change, along with regular maintenance, ensures your refrigerator operates efficiently year-round.
So, the next time winter rolls around, remember to locate and adjust that hidden energy-saving button. Your wallet—and the planet—will thank you!
Morgan White is the Lead Writer and Editorial Director at Bengali Media, driving the creation of impactful and engaging content across the website. As the principal author and a visionary leader, Morgan has established himself as the backbone of Bengali Media, contributing extensively to its growth and reputation.
With a degree in Mass Communication from University of Ljubljana and over 6 years of experience in journalism and digital publishing, Morgan is not just a writer but a strategist. His expertise spans news, popular culture, and lifestyle topics, delivering articles that inform, entertain, and resonate with a global audience.
Under his guidance, Bengali Media has flourished, attracting millions of readers and becoming a trusted source of authentic and original content. Morgan’s leadership ensures the team consistently produces high-quality work, maintaining the website’s commitment to excellence.
You can connect with Morgan on LinkedIn at Morgan White/LinkedIn to discover more about his career and insights into the world of digital media.