Refrigeration

The refrigerator is one of the largest users of energy in the home and roughly a third of Australian homes have two of them.

Today’s refrigerators are more efficient than older models, as they have better seals, improved ventilation and insulation and improved controls, motors and compressors.

The purpose of the refrigerator is to store food at lower temperatures, where there is less chance of it being spoiled by bacteria. For this reason, fridges work best at about 4 degrees Celsius.

Most modern refrigerators come with a separate freezer compartment. To ensure your freezer is working at its optimum level, it should be kept between -15 and -18 degrees Celsius.

Getting the most out of your fridge and freezer

• Choose a cool position for your fridge and freezer. Placing a fridge or freezer in direct sunlight or next to an oven or other heat source can increase energy consumption substantially as the fridge needs to work harder to keep cool.
• Make sure there's enough space to allow air to flow above and at the back of your fridge. There should be a gap of at least 5cm between your fridge and the wall on all sides. Restricting ventilation can add about 15% to your energy bill. Never put a refrigerator or freezer in an unventilated cupboard.
• Decide what you want before opening the door. Opening the fridge more than you need to allows cool air to leave and makes the motor work harder to maintain the optimum temperature.
• Allow hot food to cool before putting it in the fridge, but be careful not to allow it to sit for too long.
• A fridge will operate more economically the fuller it is. This is because when the door does open, if it is full, there isn't much area where warm air can enter.
• Ensure door seals are clean and the door closes properly. A good way to test if your fridge’s seals are working is to put a sheet of paper in the door when you close it. If you can remove the paper without opening the door again, your seals need replacing. Contact a refrigerator mechanic to replace your seals.
• If your fridge is getting old, purchase a new one. They are more energy-efficient and produce less greenhouse gas than older models.

How to...Purchase an energy-efficient fridge

• Make sure you check the energy rating label before you buy.
• Work out the best size for your needs. Generally, the larger the refrigerator, the greater the energy consumption. A model that is too large will waste space and energy; too small could mean extra trips to the supermarket and greater inconvenience.
• It is usually less costly to run one large refrigerator than two smaller ones, but check the energy consumption on the label when assessing the options.
• Two door refrigerators with a top or bottom freezer are generally more efficient than side by side models - check the stars and the energy consumption before you buy.
• Automatic ice-makers and dispensers will increase both the energy use (typically 100 to 150 kilowatt hours/year) and the purchase price.