Energy Efficient Options for Your Home Fridge & Freezer

By Kari Kylo, BC Hydro Power Smart

Did you know that refrigerators and freezers are two of the most significant energy-consuming appliances in your home? However, there are many ways that you can reduce your electrical bills every month simply by implementing some small changes surrounding these two household appliances.

1. Don't locate your refrigerator or freezer near heat vents, sunlight, or your oven.
2. Check that the temperature inside your refrigerator is between 2°C and 3°C. In most refrigerators, this is the mid-level setting on the temperature control. Freezers should operate at -18°C. Keeping the temperatures just 5°C colder than the recommended levels can increase energy use by as much as 25 per cent.
3. Don't put hot foods and leftover meals directly into the fridge or freezer. Allow them to cool first.
4. If your fridge and/or freezer are old or not working well, it might be a good investment to replace them. When purchasing a new home appliance, look for the ENERGY STARÒ symbol for the most energy efficient products.
5. Refrigerators and freezers are often under-used or unused appliances. They also tend to be older, less efficient models. Using one large refrigerator is more efficient than running two smaller ones.
6. If you have a spare operating fridge* in your home, get rid of it. BC Hydro will pick it up, recycle it, and give you $30 for it. To find out more call 604 881 4357 or 1 866 516 4357 outside the Lower Mainland.*Maximum two residential use fridges per BC Hydro customer account. Fridges must be in working condition. Fridge Size limits: 10-24 cubic feet (Bar-size, Sub-zero exceeding 24 cu ft and commercial fridges typically excluded, please check size).
7. A fridge or freezer that doesn’t seal properly can waste a lot of energy. To check the seal, place a piece of paper between the door and the refrigerator as you close it. If you can move the paper freely in the door, it is not sealed tightly.
8. Unplug the refrigerator and clean the dust from the back or bottom coils twice a year. Make sure there is at least 8 cm of air space between the back of the refrigerator and the wall and at least 2.5 cm of space on both sides to allow for good air circulation.

To learn more about BC Hydro’s Power Smart residential programs such as the Fridge Buy-Back program, discounts on ENERGY STARÒ light fixtures and CFLs, mail-in rebates, ENERGY STAR windows, and PST exemptions, visit www.bchydro.com/powersmart.