The Tale of 3 Refrigerators

Understanding energy use can be complicated, but your refrigerator is a simple place to start. Just this one appliance can help you find ways to reduce household bills and lower your environmental impact.

The "I Still Have Life in Me" Fridge

You don't need a new refrigerator to see meaningful savings - small changes can cut energy use noticeably.

• Set your fridge to the optimal temperature - about 37-40 degrees Fahrenheit for the fridge and 0 degrees Fahrenheit for the freezer - to avoid unnecessary energy use while keeping food safe.
• Keep the coils clean, as dust buildup forces the appliance to work harder and use more electricity.
• Check the door seals regularly to ensure they are tight, since even small air leaks increase energy use.

The New Fridge

If a new refrigerator is needed, keep these things in mind:

• ENERGY STAR-certified refrigerators meet strict efficiency standards and use less energy than standard models.
• Bigger isn't always better; larger refrigerators generally use more electricity.  Mid-sized models (around 16-20 cubic feet) often provide the best balance of efficiency and capacity.
• Don't forget about rebates!  PEC offers a $25 rebate for new refrigerators and a $25 rebate for appliance recycling.  Visit peoplesenergy.coop/rebates to learn more and apply.

The Garage Fridge

For some, a garage fridge isn't a nicety - it's a necessity.  Here are a couple of things to remember before installation:

• Garages typically aren't climate controlled, so they can get very hot in the summer and freeze in the winter.  Because this can cause issues for the fridge, consider a "garage-ready" model to help with efficiency and reliability.
• A garage fridge often costs more to run than one inside the home, especially if you move your old kitchen fridge to the garage.  In hot weather, the compressor runs longer and uses more electricity.  In cold weather, efficiency drops and performance can suffer.