Can We Save Energy by Changing the Temperature Inside the Fridge?

Your refrigerator can be set as high as 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

Refrigerators are the second largest users of electricity in the average household, behind air conditioners. Older refrigerators, in particular, can run very inefficiently compared to newer models. If buying a new energy-efficient refrigerator is not an option, you can save electricity by adjusting your refrigerator's temperature appropriately and changing some of your other kitchen habits.

Temperature Settings

Set your refrigerator at 40 degrees Fahrenheit, the upper end of the recommended temperature range, to save energy. Raising the thermostat in your refrigerator by 10 degrees can save up to 25 percent in the appliance's energy use. Make sure that the refrigerator thermostat is accurate by double-checking the actual temperature with a thermometer set in a glass of water in the middle of the fridge. It should read 40 degrees after sitting in the fridge for 24 hours.

Anti-Sweat Feature

Many older refrigerators have something called an anti-sweat feature, the purpose of which is to prevent condensation from forming on the fridge cabinet. This feature uses an additional 10 percent of electricity to power a small heater and can often be disabled by means of a switch labeled "Energy Saver," or something similar. Modern refrigerators use automatic moisture control, a different, energy-efficient system that does not require a heater.

Other Energy-Saving Tricks

Save energy every day by minimizing the number of times you open the refrigerator door. Don't put hot food in the fridge; let it cool down first. Defrost food in the refrigerator, not on the counter. The frozen food will cool the fridge without using power. If you live in a northern climate, you can extend this concept by freezing containers of water outside during the winter and putting them in the refrigerator to help cool it.

Newer Is Better

The best way to save electricity if your refrigerator is more than 10 years old is to get a new Energy Star model. The difference in energy use between a refrigerator made 10 years ago and one made this year is as much as 40 percent. A 25-year-old refrigerator may be costing you as much as 75 percent more in electricity than a modern Energy Star fridge. With these kinds of numbers, it takes a new refrigerator only a few years to pay for itself.

References

• Saving Electricity: How Much Electricity Does My Refrigerator Use?
• The Palm Beach Post: Save Energy in Your Kitchen