Thanks to some home appliances such as air conditioners, fans, air coolers, inverters, and of course refrigerators; we can tolerate the summer easily.
During the summer season, the amount of power used is directly proportional to the temperature. With an increase in mercury, the need for cooling appliances also goes up and so is the electricity bill.
Talking about the fridge, it is not only storage for storing perishable items but also a savior during the summer season.
Right from cold water to chilled shakes to ice creams to fresh fruits and juices, ice cubes, and more, it provides us with all.
Nonetheless, with all this, it also leads to an escalation in the monthly electricity bill. A great example is with the residents of Texas for taking care of their electricity bills.
They are able to choose the best and cheapest electricity plans from the most reputable electric companies in comparison websites such as HomeEnergyClub, where they can compare Texas energy plans side by side.
In the same context, here are some simple tips that will not only increase the efficiency of your refrigerator but even help save power. Read on!
Follow these Tips to Make your Fridge Efficient
Want to make your refrigerator even more efficient, and sustainable for use? Follow these following steps.
1. Set the Temperature right
Do you know that keeping the fridge at a high temperature consumes more energy, leaving you with a higher power bill?
Hence, to make your fridge’s compressor work easily, keep the temperature lower between 0 and 5 degrees.
2. Don’t Let Your Fridge Face the Heat
It is recommended to keep your refrigerator away from direct heat such as sunlight, oven, or stove heat. It is because the fridge will then use more energy to adjust the continuous heat on it to maintain the chill.
On the other hand, if you place it under a shadow with proper ventilation, it will help in the reduction of energy.
Proper ventilation is needed in smooth heat flow produced from the fridge.
3. Defrost the fridge often
The defrost button on your refrigerator could be a lifesaver for it! Doing that on a frequent basis will help your fridge to maintain efficient cooling!
Also, you will be able to save up to Rs.10 per day on the electricity bill.
4. Storing open containers is a no-no
If you keep the already opened food containers and bottles in your fridges, then the internal moisture level will rise to force the compressor to work hard.
It will reduce your fridge’s efficiency and increase the power bill.
5. Regular fridge maintenance is a must
It should be your duty to clean your refrigerator on a frequent basis if not daily. It can help the compressor to work even more efficiently.
You only need to spare 30 minutes out of your busy schedule to do it, and your fridge will thank you by working powerfully.
Also, you should ensure to get the condenser coils of your fridge cleaned at least once a year.
You can do that by unplugging the unit and brushing or vacuuming the coils carefully. It will help to enhance the fridge’s efficiency by up to 30%.
If you are unable to do that, you should get it done by a trained professional once a year.
6. Make room
You should also make sure that there are a few inches of space between the wall and the fridge to maintain good circulation. It will also help your refrigerator to run without issues and proficiently.
7. Practice some smart habits
You can also practice some smart habits so that your fridge gets some rest. Have a look:
- Try to open your refrigerator less frequently
- Cool the hot foods before keeping them in the fridge
- Cover foods
- Label the leftovers
- Ensure to keep your freezer full
Buy a new fridge this summer and grab savings and cashback
You can continue having your refrigerator working for years at its optimal level if you can follow the tips discussed.
If you are ready to buy a brand-new refrigerator, then you don’t have to stretch your budget by paying the entire amount of your purchase in one go.
Instead, you can divide the cost between a tenor; pay only a fixed amount and nothing extra. This way, you won’t need to handle paying additional charges other than EMI and save more.
The easy EMI facility is offered by Bajaj Finserv EMI Network across India. Bajaj Finserv is also here to offer the Special Summer Offer on refrigerators and more.
This way, you can buy an LG fridge, Godrej fridge, Haier fridge, Hitachi fridge, and more on easy EMIs to indulge in a hassle-free shopping experience.
Tips for First-Time Renters on Using a Refrigerator Efficiently
First-time renters, especially those new to managing a home, might find it tricky to keep their energy bills low. All the while keeping their fridges running efficiently.
While the original tips are great for everyone, this section is specifically for renters likely dealing with space constraints, older appliances, or tight budgets!
Here are some additional tips and tricks to keep your fridge in good shape and your energy costs down!
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Adjust the Fridge According to Your Space
Renter-friendly kitchens are often small, and sometimes, you must make do with what you have.
Also, suppose your fridge is fully cramped in a tight space next to a heat-generating appliance (like an oven or microwave).
In that case, it works harder than necessary because of the proximity and exertion of excess heat.
If possible, make sure your fridge has some space between the wall and other appliances to allow for good air circulation.
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Keep the Fridge Balanced
Believe it or not, an unlevel fridge can impact how well it runs. Often, rentals are equipped with old or slightly wobbly fridges.
If your fridge is tilting one way or the other, just use simple shims or small pieces of cardboard to level it out.
A balanced fridge guarantees that the doors seal properly and that the cold air doesn’t escape. In fact, it also helps alleviate extra stress on the compressor, decreasing its energy consumption over time.
Therefore, keeping it on a good stand is important. If you cannot buy a new fridge, at least buy the right equipment for it.
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Organize Smartly for Efficiency
When you rent a home or an apartment, specifically if you choose to live in shared apartments, you don’t have an entire fridge for yourself.
So, it is crucial to keep it clean but also to be able not to keep the fridge open for that long.
I use little baskets or containers within my fridge so I can easily grab things without having to have the whole front spend open for too long.
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Use Electricity at Non-Peak Times
If your rental has smart meters or time-of-use rates, then try to use the electricity that isn’t charged at a premium rate.
Running the defrost cycle, cooling hot foods, or restocking the fridge during non-chargeable hours also helps.
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Insurance or Maintenance Plan on Rental Appliances
Most landlords have maintenance plans, but it’s something renters tend to overlook.
Before you start calling a technician over minor issues such as a cracked door seal or noisy motor, find out if your lease includes repairs/maintenance or insurance on the appliances.
A well-functioning fridge also consumes a lot less electricity.
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Temporary Fridge Fixes for Old Units
Rentals often come with older appliances. If your fridge lacks modern energy-saving features, there are small tricks you can apply.
For example, adding a seal strip around the door can improve insulation. A simple thermometer can also help you keep the internal temperature just right—no need to run it colder than necessary!
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Be Mindful of Sharing Fridge Space
If you’re sharing a rental with roommates, make sure everyone understands fridge usage.
An overstuffed fridge can cause airflow problems, which means the food will cool unevenly and the appliance will use more energy.
Also, ask others to keep things clean and remove old food when necessary.
Final Thoughts for First-Time Renters
Sure, everything has a learning curve, and running a home is no different. But hopefully, these extra tips will help you avoid energy-draining mistakes.
(I’m talking to you, not throwing out anything that’s expired).
Little choices can add up—your fridge will run more efficiently, and so will your wallet!
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