Has your refrigerator caused your electricity bill to soar? Don't worry; these 6 simple steps will save you a lot of money

With the onset of summer, the use of two things in the home increases significantly: AC and refrigerator. We use refrigerators 24 hours a day to keep our water cold and food from spoiling in the scorching sun. However, due to the extra stress on refrigerators during summer, many people's budgets are disrupted by the arrival of electricity bills at the end of the month.

If you're finding your refrigerator is causing a high electricity bill this summer, don't worry. You can improve your refrigerator's efficiency and significantly reduce your electricity bill by using a few simple methods and "smart tricks."

1. Set the temperature correctly

In summer, the outside temperature is high, so many people set the refrigerator temperature to 'low' (i.e., very cold). However, according to experts, keeping the refrigerator temperature between 3°C and 5°C and the freezer temperature around -18°C is sufficient. Keeping the refrigerator unnecessarily cold puts stress on the compressor and consumes more electricity. It is beneficial to adjust the temperature slightly according to the weather.

2. Don't open the refrigerator too often

We tend to open the refrigerator whenever we need something and then stand there for a long time, thinking about it. When you open the refrigerator door, the cold air inside goes out and the warm air from outside comes in. This means the refrigerator has to use twice as much energy to cool down again. So, think ahead about what you need and keep the door open for as little time as possible.

3. Don't put hot food directly in the refrigerator

Food spoils quickly in the summer, so we tend to put leftovers in the refrigerator immediately. However, if we put hot food or milk directly in the refrigerator, the refrigerator's temperature rises. To cool it down, the refrigerator's engine (compressor) has to work harder, which increases the electricity bill. Always put food in the refrigerator only when it is completely cold.

4. Keep the refrigerator slightly away from the wall

The refrigerator has condenser coils behind it, which work to dissipate heat. If the refrigerator is placed close to the wall, this heat has no place to escape. This causes the refrigerator to overheat and consume more electricity. There should be at least 6 to 10 inches of space between the refrigerator and the wall to allow for air circulation.

5. Don't overfill or pack the refrigerator too tightly

A refrigerator should have some space for air to circulate. If the refrigerator is completely full, cold air cannot reach everywhere. On the other hand, if the refrigerator is too empty, it takes more energy to keep the empty air cool. Therefore, keep the right amount of water bottles or other items in the refrigerator to maintain thermal mass.

6. Check the door rubber

If your refrigerator door rubber is loose, cold air can constantly escape. This causes the refrigerator to run 24 hours a day, increasing your bill. Try sticking a piece of paper in the door rubber and pulling it out. If it comes off easily, it's time to replace it.

PC: Maharashtratimes