8 Tips To Cut Energy Usage
Your refrigerator is one of the biggest energy hogs in your home. If you use it inefficiently, you’re bound to waste electricity. And that means wasting money. But, if you organize your fridge right, you can cut your energy usage and save money on your electricity bill. Use these 12 easy tips to get started.
1. Prioritize Easy Access
The longer your fridge door is open, the more cold air escapes. So, keeping items you need to access often close to the front can help you close the fridge door faster. For example, fridge organizers like drawers or turntables are great gadgets that cut energy usage.
2. Don’t Put Milk In the Door
While easy access to milk makes sense, the temperature around the door can fluctuate. It’s better to keep easily spoiled items, like milk, in the middle of the fridge for consistent temperatures. Put canned goods and bottled drinks in the door instead.
3. Don’t Overfill
Having too many items in the fridge limits airflow inside. This inefficient airflow can lead to frost buildup. And a layer of ice on the inside of your fridge affects its efficiency severely.
4. Store Meat Near the Bottom
Warm air rises, and cold air sinks. So, the coldest part of your fridge will be the bottom. Keeping your meats, fish, eggs, and other easily spoilable items on the bottom shelf can keep them fresh longer. Plus, you’ll also prevent contamination by avoiding the juices from dripping on other foods.
5. Cool Leftovers Cut Energy Usage
Technically, it’s fine to put hot leftovers in your fridge if you’re worried about spoiling. But, when it comes to paying for your Texas electricity, it’s not energy efficient. Hot food takes additional energy to cool, so your fridge can’t run at peak efficiency.
6. Separate Produce By Humidity
You can control the humidity drawers in your fridge by adjusting the window on the crisper bins accordingly. Putting leafy greens, broccoli, and peppers in high-humidity drawers elongates their shelf life. Fruits and veggies that emit ethylene gas, like melons, peaches, or kiwis, prefer lower humidity.
7. Ignored Spaces That Cut Energy Usage
Consider spaces in your fridge you never use. For example, plastic organizers that go on the bottom of your shelves or the walls of your fridge can help you organize your fridge more efficiently. But, avoid food from touching the back wall of your fridge, as that can cause unwanted freezing and reduce efficiency.
8. Refrigerate Only What’s Necessary
Some foods don’t need to be in the fridge. And they can take up valuable space or clutter your organization. Keep foods like tomatoes, apples, bananas, or butter on the counter instead.
Find an Electricity Plan to Run Your Fridge Cheaper
A 19 cubic foot fridge uses around 650 kWh of energy per year. So, short of replacing your fridge with a newer model, the best way to save money on your usage is to get a good deal on electricity. Visit https://www.texaselectricityratings.com/ to find available plans in your area, compare the rates, and choose the best one for your home!
