Buzz
Knowing how to use your refrigerator correctly can significantly reduce your monthly electricity bill. In addition to choosing a refrigerator equipped with optimal energy-saving Inverter technology, pocketing a few tips for efficient refrigerator usage helps extend its lifespan and increase durability.
1. Place the refrigerator in a well-ventilated, non-humid area
The temperature around the refrigerator affects its cooling capacity and energy consumption. Therefore, users should place the refrigerator in a well-ventilated location, avoiding narrow corners. To ensure heat dissipation, the back and both sides of the refrigerator should be at least 10cm away from the wall, as the cooling cable system behind the refrigerator requires cool air to function properly. If not, the refrigerator consumes a lot of electricity and quickly deteriorates.
Place the refrigerator in a well-ventilated area
Additionally, avoid placing the refrigerator near heat sources, such as stoves, gas ranges, or windows exposed to direct sunlight.
2. Check the door seal
After a long period, the rubber gaskets on the back of the door may deteriorate, causing the fridge to lose more cold air. A tip to check: insert a banknote into the door gap; if it easily slides along the opening, you need to replace the rubber gaskets.
3. Minimize turning the refrigerator on/off frequently
Each time the refrigerator restarts, it requires a considerable amount of electrical energy. Therefore, it's advisable not to switch the refrigerator on/off frequently and avoid plugging it into the same outlet as other devices.
If the refrigerator is not in use for an extended period, disconnect the power, but make sure to clean out the food inside and use a cover to protect it from dust.
4. Limit opening/closing the refrigerator
Each time you open the refrigerator door, a significant amount of cold air escapes, requiring the refrigerator to consume more electricity to cool from scratch. Therefore, avoid keeping the refrigerator open for too long and make sure to close it tightly.
It's advisable to limit opening and closing the refrigerator to reduce damage to the rubber gaskets and minimize the loss of cold air.
5. Avoid keeping the refrigerator too empty or too full
A refrigerator with a full load of food and drinks will cool faster than an empty one. If you don't have many items in the refrigerator, consider placing a few water bottles inside.
However, excessive food storage can hinder the circulation of cold air, leading to less efficient cooling.
6. Adjust the temperature appropriately
The refrigerator temperature should match the weather; it's not advisable to keep a constant temperature for an extended period. Setting the temperature at 5 consumes a lot of energy. On hot days, consider raising the temperature to 4. Conversely, on cold days, you can adjust the cooling level to 3.
7. Store food scientifically
For efficient refrigerator usage, homemakers should ensure that items inside are well-organized, creating reasonable gaps for easy cold air circulation and reducing electricity consumption. Avoid placing hot food directly into the refrigerator; let it cool first. Organize food in different compartments:
- Freezer compartment: Store fresh foods (meat, fish, seafood), make ice cubes, keep ice cream or yogurt cool.
- Refrigerator's cool section: Door shelves (for dry food or condiments), top shelf (leftovers, drinks, or ready-to-eat foods in the compartment), lower shelves (store eggs, milk, meats, or seafood you want to use quickly or thaw), crisper drawer (designed to maintain suitable humidity for vegetables, roots, and fruits).
Arrange food neatly and orderly, preventing unintended damage
8. Maintain a clean and hygienic refrigerator
An essential step for simple and effective refrigerator use is regular cleaning to minimize the growth of mold and bacteria. Cleaning should be done 1-2 times a month or whenever compartments accumulate dirt. Ensure to wipe the rubber gasket edges on the door to enhance a tight seal, preventing cold air from escaping and reducing energy consumption.
Additionally, once a year, users should have a professional refrigeration technician check the refrigerant gas levels. Timely replenishment is crucial to prevent energy wastage due to insufficient gas.
