Fridge Tips
Buying a fridge
Models with a top or bottom freezer are generally more efficient than side by side models.
Think carefully about the fridge size your family needs: a smaller model with the same star rating will use less energy. Choose the smallest and most efficient unit for your needs.
Energy ratings of different models are listed at
www.energyrating.gov.au
Placement of fridge
Put your fridge in a cool place, out of the sun and away from ovens.
Allow air to freely circulate around your fridge
Efficient use of your fridge
To keep food safe set your fridge at 4ºC. Do not set the temperature too low. A change of 1ºC can effect efficiency by 5 percent
Put cold items back in the fridge immediately after use. Cooling a two-litre drink bottle that has warmed up to room temperature uses ten times more energy than opening the fridge door.
Make sure door seals are clean and the door closes properly
Fridges work better if kept full as cool items are easier to keep
cold than air.
Defrost regularly
Defrost whenever the frost grows to around 5mm thick. Ice build up
makes the unit work harder.
Turning it off
If you are away for an extended holiday, turn off, empty and clean your fridge and leave the door ajar.
Many households have fridges running full time in a hot garage to
keep a few beers cold. MEFL estimates there are two million of these
fridges across Australia. Switch off your second fridge over winter,
or when not in use: save $120 each year!
Faults
If you can hear your fridge motor running most of the time, ring for maintenance: your fridge is unnecessarily wasting energy and your money.