Your refrigerator can be your home’s biggest energy consumer if not used properly! That’s why we’re here, Teko.ph, the largest aircon, appliance, and computer services provider in the Philippines, with a few simple adjustments to how you use and maintain your no frost fridge without sacrificing performance.
1. Set the right temperature.
Are you aware that setting your fridge to the coldest temperature is not always the best idea? If your ref has no temperature settings, a good starting point is to set the dial to number 3 or 4. Alternatively, you may check your user manual for the recommended settings. A slightly warmer setting can still keep your food safe while using significantly less energy.
2. Keep your no frost fridge full but not packed.
Did you know a well-stocked fridge actually uses less energy than an empty one? The cold items inside help maintain the temperature when you open the door. However, don’t overpack since there will be no room for the air to move around, making the motor work harder.
If your fridge looks empty, fill the spaces with bottles of water. This allows air to circulate freely while giving you extra drinking water as needed!
3. Check the door seals.
If you ever notice that the rubber seals around the fridge door start to deteriorate, it’s normal especially in our humid climate. That allows cool air to escape and warm air to seep in and forces your fridge to work overtime.
Do the paper test: close a piece of paper in the door seal and try to pull it out. If it slides out easily, your seal needs attention. Clean the seals regularly with warm soapy water, and replace them if they’re cracked or warped.
4. Let hot food cool down first.
Guilty of putting that pot of leftover sinigang or rice straight into the fridge while it’s still steaming? This might seem convenient, but it’s a major energy waster. Hot food raises the internal temperature of your fridge with all the heat and steam, forcing the system to run its defrost heater cycle more frequently to prevent frost buildup. That means, your ref will consume more energy.
Always let cooked food reach room temperature before refrigerating. Not only will this save energy, but it also prevents condensation buildup that could affect other foods in your fridge.
5. Find the best location for your no frost fridge.
Your refrigerator’s location matters more than you might think! External heat will make your fridge’s compressor to run longer and harder to keep the inside cool.
Remember to keep it away from heat sources like stoves, direct sunlight from windows, or areas with poor ventilation. Ensure there’s at least 5-10 centimeters of space around your fridge for proper air circulation.
6. Keep your freezer organized.
Just like the main compartment, a well-organized freezer is more efficient. If you know exactly where everything is, you won’t have to keep the door open for a long time while you search for that ice cream or bag of frozen meat.
Use clear bins and baskets to organize your frozen goods, especially in the refrigerator drawers. Label them if you have to. This simple habit will save you time and energy in the long run.
7. Open & close doors quickly.
Every time you open the fridge door, a significant amount of cold air escapes, and warm air rushes in. The more you open it and the longer you leave it open, the more energy your fridge has to use to cool back down.
Think or even list what you need before you open the door. Grab what you need quickly, then close it right away. Avoid just staring into the fridge, hoping for a snack to magically appear!
8. Have regular maintenance checks for your no frost fridge.
Don’t forget to schedule regular maintenance checks for your no frost refrigerator! Look out for unusual noises, temperature fluctuations, or frost buildup in the freezer (which shouldn’t happen in a properly functioning no frost fridge.) If you’re in Metro Manila and nearby cities, just book a professional ref technician with Teko.
By making these small changes, we hope you could see a noticeable reduction in your electricity bill while extending your refrigerator’s lifespan. Start with one or two tips and gradually incorporate the others into your routine. Your wallet and the environment will thank you for it!
