How Much Power Is Your Fridge Generating?

How Much Power Is Your Fridge Generating?

Your refrigerator probably uses the most energy of all the appliances in your kitchen. This is because it is on all the time, keeping your food chilled or frozen. If your refrigerator includes an automatic ice maker it uses even more energy to fill, freeze, and flip ice trays. A water and ice dispenser on the door requires energy whenever it operates as well.

Just how much power is your fridge generating? That depends on a number of factors. Here’s how to assess the energy use of your refrigerator and how to determine if refrigerator repair is in order.

Factors That Affect Energy Efficiency for Refrigerators

If you’re not sure how energy efficient your refrigerator is, consider the following factors: 

• Make and model. The make and model of your refrigerator will affect how much energy it uses. Some manufacturers and models are designed to be more efficient than others. If you see the Energy Star logo it suggests that that appliance is one of the most energy efficient models available.

• Age. Newer models of refrigerators are more efficient than older ones because advancements in technology are constantly reducing the energy usage of refrigerators. The type of refrigerant used in new refrigerators is also more efficient and more eco-friendly than the types used in older models.

• Size. The size of your refrigerator will also affect the amount of energy it uses. The larger your refrigerator is, the more energy it will require to keep a larger space cold.

• Condition. The condition of your refrigerator will affect energy consumption. If your refrigerator is in good shape and working properly, it will use less energy. If it is not operating well, it may be an energy drain.

• Door seal. If the door of your refrigerator is not sealing properly, cold air can leak out and warm air can seep in. This will cause your refrigerator to run more often to keep the set temperature inside, which means it will use more energy.

• The temperature of the room. The warmer it is in the room where your refrigerator is, the harder it will have to work to stay cold. This is why a refrigerator in a garage, basement, or otherwise not climate controlled area will be less efficient.

• Fullness. Do you ever notice that your food begins to freeze when your refrigerator is very empty? This is because the less there is in it, the colder it will stay. The refrigerator will not need to use as much energy to keep it cold, and that can sometimes lower the overall temperature inside the refrigerator.

• Dust in the vents. Most refrigerators have a ventilation system at the bottom in the front where air is drawn in and heat is vented. If the vents are full of dust your refrigerator may have to work harder and use more energy.

• The water filter. If your refrigerator has a water filter, the filter will need to be replaced periodically. If it is dirty or clogged, your refrigerator may have a more difficult time drawing in water to make ice and to dispense drinking water, which will increase the energy usage.

How To Make Your Refrigerator More Energy Efficient

If you’re looking for ways to save energy in your home, your refrigerator is one place to start. Here are some tips for improving your refrigerator’s energy efficiency: 

• Get your refrigerator professionally repaired. If your refrigerator is not working properly or is not properly sealed, call a professional appliance repair service to give it a tune up.

• Upgrade to a new refrigerator. If your refrigerator is on the older side and seems to be an energy drain, consider upgrading to a new, more efficient model.

• Clean out your refrigerator frequently. Take the time to clean out your refrigerator and throw away old, spoiled food. Keeping your refrigerator less full will improve efficiency.
• Clean the vents. Clean the dust out of the vents in front of your refrigerator and around the sides, behind, and underneath it. This will help your refrigerator operate more efficiently.

Who Should I Call For Reliable Refrigerator Repair?

America’s Appliance Repair provides repairs for all makes and models of refrigerators. We can assess the energy usage of your refrigerator and help it run more efficiently through cleaning, maintenance, and repair. Save money on your monthly energy bills with professional refrigerator repair.

Call 800-639-9340 or contact us today to schedule a service appointment.