Refrigerator has a small button that can save millions in electricity bill: Many people don’t know this!
Most people don’t realize that your fridge has a simple setting you can tweak during winter to save energy. Making this small adjustment can noticeably lower your electricity bill while keeping your food fresh and safe.
A Small Button That Saves Big
Refrigerators run nonstop all year, making them some of the most energy-demanding appliances in the home. On average, a large fridge uses 50–75 kWh per month, just behind stoves and water heaters. Because they operate continuously, even minor tweaks can add up to significant savings.
Adjusting for Winter
Most modern fridges have a temperature dial or digital panel with settings ranging from 1–5 or 1–6.
- Summer: Higher cooling settings are often needed.
- Winter: Lower levels are usually sufficient. Experts suggest setting the fridge to level 2–3, or even level 1. At level 1, the temperature usually stays around 2–5°C—perfect for food preservation while cutting energy use.
The freezer can also be adjusted. For everyday storage, lower cooling is fine, but if you’re keeping large amounts of fresh items like seafood, maintain -18°C to prevent spoilage.
Adjust According to How Full It Is
- Lightly stocked fridge: Lower cooling levels work well.
- Fully stocked fridge: You may need slightly higher settings to maintain safe temperatures.
Extra Energy-Saving Tips
Proper placement: Leave space around the fridge for heat to escape. Avoid placing it near ovens, microwaves, or other heat sources.
Limit door openings: Every time the door stays open, cold air escapes, forcing the compressor to work harder and use more energy.
Bottom Line
By lowering your fridge’s cooling level in winter and using smart habits, you can:
- Reduce electricity bills
- Extend your fridge’s lifespan
- Keep food fresh and safe
A tiny adjustment really can make a big difference in household energy costs.
