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Your fridge looms monstrous over the rest of your kitchen. If you think about it, the fridge is essentially a storage locker for the dead plants and animals that we like to eat. Spooky, right? The refrigerator, this food crypt, needs to be kept nice and cold because dead things tend to decay fast. Fridges use up a lot of energy while making the coldness. You can do things to make your fridge more efficient. Here are five easy steps to make your refrigerator run more efficiently.
- Cover your food. Your fridge's compressor has to work extra hard if there is moisture inside of it. By covering your food in Tupperware or with lids, you can reduce your refrigerator's carbon footprint.
- Clean your compressor coils. Do this annually. Pull the fridge away from the walls. Unplug the fridge. You can simply vacuum the coils or give them a thorough wash.
- Keep the correct temperature. I've read that anywhere from 35 F to 40 F is optimum run temperature for a fridge. The freezer should be set between 0 and 5 degrees Fahrenheit. I would consult your owner's manual to find what works best for your particular model.
- Check your seal. Slam a piece of paper in the fridge door. If you can get the paper out without ripping it or opening the door, it may be time to replace your seal.
- Move Your Fridge. Lots of houses are built with a fridge in mind. For those that aren't, you should keep your fridge away from direct sunlight. If it is in direct sunlight, move the thing to the dark side of the kitchen.
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5 Ways to Green Your Kitchen for Under $100
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