Every time the refrigerator door is opened, cold air escapes, and the compressor has to work harder to recover the internal temperature. This generates unnecessary consumption that, over the course of a month, translates into a significant increase in the electricity bill. Avoiding unnecessary door openings is one of the keys to reducing electricity consumption in summer.
An empty refrigerator loses cold faster when opened, while an overloaded one hinders proper air circulation. The ideal is to maintain a balance and organize the food to avoid frequent opening and closing.
Recommendations for saving energy with the refrigerator in summer: • Avoid opening the door unnecessarily. • Place it away from the oven and direct sunlight. • Defrost it regularly to avoid excess ice. • Leave at least 10 cm of space between the back and the wall. • Maintain a balanced load and clean the door seals.
With these simple habits, you can considerably reduce the energy consumption of the refrigerator during the summer and alleviate the impact on the electricity bill without giving up comfort.
Placing the refrigerator near ovens, stoves, or places with direct sun exposure forces the motor to make an extra effort. Behind the refrigerator are the condensers, which need to release the heat that the unit extracts from the inside. That's why it's ideal to locate it in a ventilated space, away from windows.
Defrosting the refrigerator is essential to lower electricity consumption. Excess ice in the freezer also impairs performance. In summer, temperatures rise considerably, which, in addition to being natural, is good for lovers of the season, but bad for users' pockets, especially when a daily-use appliance becomes one of the most energy-consuming in the home.
Improper use can increase electricity consumption by up to 30%, directly affecting the family economy. The increase in electricity consumption in the hottest months is not only due to the use of air conditioning or fans. The refrigerator, being a 24/7 appliance, becomes a "silent enemy" if it is not used correctly or if it does not receive proper maintenance.
Five tricks to clean the sink: how to use baking soda and get it ready for summer. One of the main errors is to open the door frequently or leave it open for too long. In this regard, those who repair refrigerators recommend defrosting it when the ice layer exceeds 5 millimeters. The rear ventilation is another factor that many users overlook. That frost layer acts as an insulator and reduces the cooling capacity, causing the motor to run continuously. Photo: Agencia Noticias Argentinas - Freepik.
Another key point is the location of the appliance. If the back is too close to the wall or covered in dust, the efficiency is noticeably reduced. Finally, the incorrect level of loading also affects consumption.
