A top or bottom freezer model uses less energy than a side-by-side, and a smaller fridge generally uses less energy overall.
Nine Tips for a More Efficient, Less Wasteful Refrigerator
It's easy to overload a refrigerator, which often leads to spoiled food. Between rising grocery costs, the amount the average family wastes each year on spoiled food, and the fact that fridges account for a meaningful share of household power use, there's a good case for a more sustainable approach to refrigeration. Here are some tips that help.
Choose an Energy-Efficient Refrigerator
Plan Shopping and Meals
Sticking to a shopping list helps avoid impulse purchases and unnecessary waste.
Arrange by Lifespan
Place items with shorter lifespans at the front and top shelf so they get used promptly, and regularly review freezer contents to prioritize older items.
Understand Expiration Dates
Most foods are still safe after their expiration or best-by date. If it looks, smells, feels, and tastes fine, it's likely still good.
Focus on Produce
Prep and store vegetables properly to extend freshness, and repurpose aging produce in soups, casseroles, stir-fries, or baked goods rather than tossing it.
Store Foods in Optimal Locations
Keep meats and seafood on the colder bottom shelves, and reserve warmer spots like the door for items such as milk. Adjust humidity settings in veggie drawers based on what's stored there.
Avoid Overloading
Overcrowding the fridge or freezer hampers efficiency, and packing in bulk items inefficiently can strain the appliance.
Plan for Leftovers
Store leftovers in transparent containers, ideally glass over plastic, to increase visibility and reduce the chance they get forgotten. Freeze leftovers after a few days, using ice cube trays for small amounts like tomato paste or lemon juice.
Close the Door and Maintain the Appliance
Minimize how often the door opens, since excessive openings make the fridge work harder. It also helps to vacuum the coils twice a year, check door seals regularly, keep the fridge between 37 and 39 degrees and the freezer at 0 degrees using a thermometer, and keep the unit away from direct sunlight and the stove.
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