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An Old Refrigerator Make-Over
A new refrigerator may ultimately pay for itself but in the meantime it must go on your credit card. Inviting as that new side-by-side may be, making do with the old Hotpoint might be the only option right now.
As we mentioned earlier, a refrigerator’s energy efficiency degrades with use, but there are a few simple steps you can take to optimize the appliance’s operation and even to mitigate some of that aging.
First of all, it is important to place a refrigerator, if possible, away from any heat source. This means some distance not only from a radiator or hot air register but from the stove, dishwasher or a sunny window. There should also be an inch or two of clearance at the back and sides to allow air to circulate around the coils.
And about those coils. Every list of energy tips mentions cleaning them with the vacuum or a brush regularly, every six months or so, but nobody does it. However, if you will take the time you will increase efficiency but as much as 30 percent.
A full refrigerator or freezer operates more efficiently than a partially empty one, a good reason for purchasing the right size for your family and lifestyle. But family sizes and appliance usage can change over time so if you find yourself with an 18 cubic footer that contains a head of lettuce and two cans of Red Bull you are paying to cool a lot of hot air. Either develop a hankering for a diet of watermelon and Hubbard squash or fill up the space with jugs of water. The same goes for the freezer and if you use plastic bags there you will have a ready supply of cold compresses and cooler ice.
But don’t overfill the refrigerator or freezer. Efficient operation requires adequate air circulation within the unit.
Keep your refrigerator well organized and label leftovers. The quicker you can open the door grab, what you need, and get out the less energy you will use.
Don’t put leftovers away hot. Let them cool a bit on the counter but not more than dictated by food safety.
A refrigerator thermometer is a good investment. Keeping the temperature at 28° instead of the recommended 35° to 38° could increase your electric use by as much as 25 percent. The freezer should be kept at 0°.
If you have a manual defrost freezer, don’t forget that the operative word is manual. Tackle that task at least four times a year.
Refrigerator and freezer seals don’t last forever. If they are showing signs of mildew or leaking they probably need to be replaced. A good test is to close a sheet of paper in the door. If you can pull it out easily the seals are shot. These are not a big or a difficult job to replace, just be sure purchase a new ones specific to your brand and model.
Finally, the extra old refrigerator in the basement or garage may be raising your electric bill by $120 per year. If you must have it for occasional entertaining or grocery binges unplug it between uses (be sure to leave the door(s) ajar to prevent mildew and odor.) Otherwise, get rid of it! Many local utilities have been offering cash, free disposal, and other incentives to get these extra appliances off the grid.
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This email was sent to you by:
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Mortgage News Daily
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Anonymous Loan Representative University Mortgage Hackensack NJ 07601 |
(201) 820-4420 |
Message:
YOUR MESSAGE HERE
An Old Refrigerator Make-Over
A new refrigerator may ultimately pay for itself but in the meantime it must go on your credit card. Inviting as that new side-by-side may be, making do with the old Hotpoint might be the only option right now.
As we mentioned earlier, a refrigerator’s energy efficiency degrades with use, but there are a few simple steps you can take to optimize the appliance’s operation and even to mitigate some of that aging.
First of all, it is important to place a refrigerator, if possible, away from any heat source. This means some distance not only from a radiator or hot air register but from the stove, dishwasher or a sunny window. There should also be an inch or two of clearance at the back and sides to allow air to circulate around the coils.
And about those coils. Every list of energy tips mentions cleaning them with the vacuum or a brush regularly, every six months or so, but nobody does it. However, if you will take the time you will increase efficiency but as much as 30 percent.
A full refrigerator or freezer operates more efficiently than a partially empty one, a good reason for purchasing the right size for your family and lifestyle. But family sizes and appliance usage can change over time so if you find yourself with an 18 cubic footer that contains a head of lettuce and two cans of Red Bull you are paying to cool a lot of hot air. Either develop a hankering for a diet of watermelon and Hubbard squash or fill up the space with jugs of water. The same goes for the freezer and if you use plastic bags there you will have a ready supply of cold compresses and cooler ice.
But don’t overfill the refrigerator or freezer. Efficient operation requires adequate air circulation within the unit.
Keep your refrigerator well organized and label leftovers. The quicker you can open the door grab, what you need, and get out the less energy you will use.
Don’t put leftovers away hot. Let them cool a bit on the counter but not more than dictated by food safety.
A refrigerator thermometer is a good investment. Keeping the temperature at 28° instead of the recommended 35° to 38° could increase your electric use by as much as 25 percent. The freezer should be kept at 0°.
If you have a manual defrost freezer, don’t forget that the operative word is manual. Tackle that task at least four times a year.
Refrigerator and freezer seals don’t last forever. If they are showing signs of mildew or leaking they probably need to be replaced. A good test is to close a sheet of paper in the door. If you can pull it out easily the seals are shot. These are not a big or a difficult job to replace, just be sure purchase a new ones specific to your brand and model.
Finally, the extra old refrigerator in the basement or garage may be raising your electric bill by $120 per year. If you must have it for occasional entertaining or grocery binges unplug it between uses (be sure to leave the door(s) ajar to prevent mildew and odor.) Otherwise, get rid of it! Many local utilities have been offering cash, free disposal, and other incentives to get these extra appliances off the grid.
If you would like to opt-out of receiving email forwards from this person please click here to remove your email address.