EricFerguson/istockphoto
READ MORE ABOUT:
There is nothing worse for energy efficiency than an empty, or sparsely populated, refrigerator. When there is little thermal mass created inside to absorb and store the cold air, the cooling apparatus works overtime to maintain the desired temperature.
Here are a few tips for better empty fridge efficiency:
- If your refrigerator is mostly empty most of the time, fill up containers of water and store them inside your fridge. For an empty freezer, store some extra bags of ice. This will create extra thermal mass inside your fridge and will give your fridge's coils a break. In a power outage, the extra bags of ice will also help to keep your food from going bad.
- Downsize. If your refrigerator is always on the empty side, downsize to a smaller fridge. If you find that most of your refrigerator is used to store sodas, beer, or other items that only need to be refrigerated for a few hours before using, this is a good sign that you can downsize to a smaller fridge and keep the overstock in your pantry. The sodas and beer DO help to create thermal mass, however, if a smaller fridge is a sore subject.
- Cook and eat at home more often. You will then have more food, more thermal mass, in your fridge.
Related posts:
Is Your Fridge Running Efficiently?
How to Go Green: Electricity
Clean out Your Refrigerator and Make Dinner
-
- {}
