Refrigerators are the single biggest electricity user in most homes. Depending on its size and age, the operating cost of your refrigerator can account for as much as 20% of your total electric bill.

Some food for thought on saving energy and money through efficient use of refrigerators and freezers:

• We recommend a setting of 38 - 40° F for the refrigerator section, and 0 - 5°F for the freezer section.
• If you have a separate freezer for long-term storage, keep the temperature at 0°F.
• Close your refrigerator door over a dollar bill or slip of paper. If you can pull it out easily, clean or replace the seal.
• Place your refrigerator or freezer away from heat sources such as the oven, dishwasher, heating vent or direct sunlight.
• Clean the condenser coils, motor and evaporator pan of your refrigerator once or twice a year.
• Keep your refrigerator organized so you don't have to stand there with the door open while you search for a food item.
• Clearly mark items in the freezer for quick identification.
• Pack your freezer compartment with ice bags to fill empty space (but don't block the circulating fan).
• Ease the load of your appliance; avoid placing hot food in the refrigerator.
• If you have a second refrigerator or freezer that's nearly empty, unplug it and remove the door to prevent children from accidentally getting trapped inside.
• Consider buying a new refrigerator. A refrigerator that is only 10 years old uses double the electricity of a new Energy Star® refrigerator. It even uses 40% less than a brand new refrigerator bought in 2001 that isn't Energy Star® compliant.