Refrigeration

Did you know that refrigeration uses up to 14% of the electricity consumed in the average Australian home?

The electricity used by a two-door refrigerator can generate up to 1.5 tonnes of greenhouse gases and cost over $250 a year to run.

  • One third of all Australian households have at least two refrigerators -switching off the second unit when it isn't in use will save approximately $180 p.a and one tonne of greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Set your refrigerator and freezer to the optimal running temperatures;
  • Summer temperatures - refrigerator 3° and freezer - 18°
  • Winter temperatures - refrigerator 5° and freezer - 15°
  • Using temperatures too low uses more energy - for every degree cooler your refrigerator will use 5% more energy!
  • Avoid opening the door frequently.
  • Check all door seals are functioning efficiently on your refrigerators and freezers.
  • Sit your refrigerator in a cool spot away from ovens, stoves and direct sun light.
  • Consider installing a vent 10cms in diameter in the floor or wall below or behind your refrigerator - improved ventilation will increase your appliance's efficiency and can save you up to $40 p.a on running costs.
  • Allow a 5cm gap around the sides, back and top of your refrigerator for ventilation.
  • Arrange the items in your refrigerator with air circulation in mind.
  • Regularly defrost freezers.
  • Regularly clean the coils at the back of you refrigerator.
  • The motor in your refrigerator should not be running all the time, if this is the case call for maintenance.
  • Where possible put cold items straight back in the refrigerator or freezer.
  • If you are going away for a long period of time empty, clean and switch off your refrigerator.
  • If you have a drinks refrigerator consider leaving it on a timer - who has a beer at 9.00am anyway?!
  • Defrost items in the refrigerator.
Choosing a Refrigerator
  • Compare the numbers and stars on the Energy Rating labels on refrigerators and freezers that are the same size.
  • Choose the right size appliance for your needs - a larger refrigerator with the same Energy Star Rating as a smaller model will use more energy.
  • Choose a refrigerator that has thermostat controls that are easy to read and access.
  • Look for a refrigerator that has electronic controls, and relatively independent control of the refrigerator and freezer compartments.
  • Consider a model that has a door open alarm which lets you know when the door is left open too long.
  • Choose a unit that has rollers and castors - they aid in cleaning any coils at the rear of the refrigerator.
  • Try and find a model with inverter technology - having the compressor speed and output vary automatically significantly increases the efficiency of the unit.