The fridge needs maintenance. For it to last and perform really well, without using too much energy, cleaning it is not enough. Here are my little tricks to keep it for a long time without blowing up its electricity consumption.
1- Maintain it well
I clean my fridge regularly, and I take care to get rid of bad smells as soon as possible. Without using expensive products, but with good natural and free tips. I also defrost it once a season, because if I forget to do so it consumes a lot more.
2- Use It Correctly
Cleaning is important. With my first advice, we avoid additional consumption. But... In order to make it last longer, and to be efficient, while consuming as little electricity as possible, there are things to do on a daily basis:
2-1 - Do not completely fill it
For it to work easily, without getting damaged or consuming too much electricity, I learned that the air must circulate correctly inside, between all the shelves and all the food. Therefore, a fridge that is not fully loaded allows cold air to circulate more freely. The food is better chilled, the power can be lowered.
2-2 - Do not leave cardboard packaging
Cardboard is a true conductor of contamination, unlike plastic, which does not retain bacteria and other moulds. I therefore systematically remove all cardboard packaging (eggs, yogurts) and place my leftovers in plastic boxes. This way I avoid contamination of my food and keep a healthy fridge.
2-3 - Never set the Thermostat to Full
A fridge that is always at full capacity will consume a lot of electricity for not much, saving money is always welcome. In addition, it will wear out faster. This is easily verified with the electricity ratings and the frequency with which it is repaired or changed.
So I found a very simple trick:I put the thermostat on 5 (for 7 possible) when it is practically full. Then, as it empties, I lower the thermostat again by graduation. Result:it does not work completely all the time, and wears out less quickly. In addition, it will therefore consume less electricity.
2-4 - Never put hot Food inside
Raising the temperature of your fridge is very bad because it will have to run longer and harder to lower its temperature again. So I never put hot dishes in it because they warm the air and therefore encourage my fridge to run at full power to regulate the temperature.
A Few Final Tips Important
Disinfect the sponge which you use to clean it (or choose a new one), make sure it is still closed, don't leave it open for too long (when you fill it, it's better to open and close it several times), and finally never forget to look at which fridge you're buying :consumption A =fridge slightly more expensive, but which consumes much less, and in the end we win! As well as the planet.
With the right gestures, it is possible to save up to 20% of its electricity consumption.
Do you have any questions? Do you have any additional advice to give? Tell us in your comments.
For annual EDF bills of around €600 per year. The part that goes to the fridge is 120€. If we save 20% of this amount, we earn €24 per year.
