If your old refrigerators are not very Energy Efficient, they are wasting both energy and money. The best thing to do is to invest in a new Energy Efficient Refrigerator.
Yes, new frigs can be expensive and maybe you, or your landlord, are not ready for such a large purchase. There are a few things you can do to insure your older refrigerator or apartment refrigerator runs as efficiency as it can.
These tips probably won't bring a 15 year old refrigerator up to Energy Star standards but they will help save some energy.
Replace Poor Door Seals.
How to test for poor sealing: Close the door on a piece of paper then gently, try to pull the paper out.
If the paper comes out easily, the seal is not tight enough, cold air could be leaking out and you could be wasting energy and money. It's time to replace the seal.
If the paper stays put, the seal is good.
Keep The Refrigerator Away From Heat.
If you can, move the refrigerator away from the dishwasher, stove, heating vents and direct sunlight.
If you have a small kitchen, and many of us do, you may not have a choice as to where you can put your refrigerator. If you can, keep it away from the heat.
Replace Old Coils And Filters.
For Energy Efficiency and clean water if you have a water/ice dispenser, check them every 6 months and replace when necessary.
Sometimes coils just need some cleaning but keep an eye on them and get rid of them when they get too old and dirty.
Fridge Filters usually need replacing about every 6 months.
Avoid Overfilling The Refrigerator.
Too much in the frig keeps the air from circulating. If the air cannot circulate properly the refrigerator will not run as efficiently. If you find that your refrigerator is always overfilled, it may be time for a larger one.
These Tips Will Work For New Refrigerators Too.
When you are able to get a new frig or talk your landlord into buying you one, you can use these same tips to keep it running as efficiently as possible.
When You Are Ready For A New Refrigerator...
see our Energy Efficient Refrigerators page for tips on how to choose one that will save you energy and money.