Refrigerators are an essential appliance in the kitchen. We depend on our refrigerator to keep our food nicely preserved from one grocery trip to the next. We post important reminders and our special family photos on it, and turn to it to satisfy our midnight food cravings.

However, this convenience comes at a cost – some refrigerators can consume up to 25% of home energy costs!

Reduce your refrigerator’s energy cost and keep your appliance running smoothly with these energy saving tips for your refrigerator.

1. Upgrade to an energy-efficient model

Refrigerators have come a long way when it comes to energy efficiency. A model from 5 or 10 years ago might be costing you twice to run vs. a newer, more energy-efficient model. If you have a refrigerator that is well into its years, it might be high time to replace it or consider an upgrade.

2. Consider where you place your appliance and give it some room to breathe

Where you place your appliance can have an impact on how hard it has to work. Place your refrigerator as far away from heat sources such as radiators and ovens as possible. It’s also best if you keep it out of direct sunlight.

To encourage good ventilation, ensure that there is about 5 cm of space at the top, back, and around the sides. Without this gap, your appliance might need to work longer and harder to keep your food safe.

3. Keep up with regular maintenance

Being diligent about refrigerator maintenance will not only help you save energy; it will also help your appliance last longer. Allow better airflow by ensuring that the coils behind the refrigerator are free of dust. Defrost your freezer on a regular basis to avoid frost buildup. Check for air leakage. The compressor will work harder to replace cold air if there is leakage present.

4. Consider how you store food

Did you know that how you store food and what you put in it can affect the amount of energy it consumes?

Don’t cram your refrigerator to bursting. Keep in mind that good airflow is essential for your appliance to work efficiently. Make sure that food is nicely wrapped and liquids are covered when they are stored. Unnecessary moisture from uncovered food makes the refrigerator work harder to stabilize its internal temperature.

5. Keep the refrigerator door closed

You might get distracted, step away from the refrigerator, and leave the door open. Don’t let this happen all the time – this lets all the warm air in and the cool air out, causing your refrigerator to work harder to compensate for the change in temperature. Do your best to keep door opening times to a minimum.

By following these simple energy saving tips for your refrigerator, you will not just extend the lifespan of your appliance, you’ll also improve its energy efficiency. Win-win!