How to find out if you refrigerator is energy efficient

Ever opened your energy bill and thought, Wait, why is this so high? If so, your refrigerator might be one of the biggest culprits.

Refrigerators run 24/7, which means they’re always using electricity. But if your fridge is outdated, leaking cold air, or just not running efficiently, it could be burning through more power than necessary, costing you extra money every month.

The information in this article may not apply to your specific appliance model. For the most accurate guidance, it’s best to check your manufacturer’s documentation or reach out to us if you’ve got any questions.

How to tell if your refrigerator is energy efficient

Not sure if your fridge is energy-efficient or secretly draining your wallet? Here are some easy ways to find out:

1. Check the age of your fridge

• If your refrigerator is more than 10-15 years old, it’s probably using way more energy than newer models.
• Energy efficiency standards have improved dramatically in the past decade, modern fridges use 40% less energy than older ones.

How to check: Look for the manufacturing date on the sticker inside the fridge (usually on the sidewall or back).

2. Look for the Energy Star label

• Energy Star-certified refrigerators use at least 15% less energy than standard models.
• If your fridge doesn’t have this label, it might be costing you extra money every month in electricity bills.

3. Use a watt meter to measure energy usage

• A watt meter plugs into your fridge and tells you exactly how much electricity it’s using.
• Compare your fridge’s energy consumption to similar models, if your fridge is way over the average, it might be time for an upgrade.

4. The dollar bill test to check the seals

• Faulty door seals = cold air escaping = fridge working overtime.
• Close a dollar bill in the fridge door and try pulling it out. If it slides out easily, the seal isn’t tight, meaning your fridge is wasting energy.
• Clean the seals with warm, soapy water or replace them if they’re cracked or stiff.

5. Listen for the compressor

• Your fridge’s compressor should cycle on and off, but if it’s running constantly, that’s a sign it’s struggling to keep cool, and using more energy than necessary.
• Frequent cycling = higher energy bills and a fridge that might break down sooner.

Why energy efficiency matters (Beyond your electric bill)

Sure, an energy-efficient fridge saves you money, but there’s more to it than just a lower electric bill. A fridge that uses less energy also means a longer lifespan, fewer repairs, and a smaller environmental footprint.

1. Lower energy bills = more money in your pocket

• An inefficient fridge could be adding $100+ per year to your electric bill.
• Newer, energy-efficient models use far less power, meaning lower costs over time, sometimes enough to pay for themselves in just a few years.

Fun fact: A modern Energy Star fridge uses less power than a 75-watt light bulb left on all day.

2. It’s better for the environment

• A fridge that wastes energy means higher carbon emissions from power plants.
• Many older fridges use outdated refrigerants that are bad for the environment.
• Upgrading to an energy-efficient model helps reduce your home’s carbon footprint.

3. Less strain on your appliance = Longer lifespan

• When a fridge works harder than it should, it wears out faster.
• An overworked compressor can fail prematurely, meaning expensive repairs or a full replacement sooner than expected.
• Regular maintenance (like cleaning the condenser coils) keeps your fridge running smoothly and extends its life.

4. Fewer repairs = less hassle

• Inefficient fridges cycle on and off more frequently, which puts extra stress on the internal components.
• Keeping your fridge running efficiently helps prevent common issues like ice buildup, overworked compressors, leaking coolant, and inconsistent cooling.

What to do if your fridge isn’t energy efficient

So, your fridge failed the energy efficiency test, now what? Before you rush out and buy a brand-new one, there are plenty of simple (and cheap!) ways to make your fridge run more efficiently.

1. Adjust the temperature settings

If your fridge is too cold, it’s using more energy than necessary. The ideal settings are:

• Fridge: 37°F (3°C)
  Freezer: 0°F (-18°C)

Pro Tip: Use a fridge thermometer to double-check that the built-in thermostat is accurate.

2. Clean the condenser coils

Dirty coils make your fridge work harder to stay cool. How to clean them:

1. Unplug the fridge (safety first!).
2. Locate the condenser coils (usually behind or underneath the fridge).
3. Use a coil brush or vacuum attachment to remove dust buildup.

How often? At least twice a year, or more if you have pets (because pet hair loves getting stuck in there).

3. Check & replace door seals

• If cold air is escaping, your fridge is wasting energy trying to compensate.
• How to test: The dollar bill trick, close a dollar bill in the fridge door and try to pull it out. If it slides out easily, the seals need cleaning or replacement.
• Fix: Clean them with warm, soapy water or replace them if they’re cracked.

4. Keep it full (But not overstuffed!)

• A full fridge retains cold air better than an empty one (because food acts as insulation).
• Don’t overload it, or you’ll block airflow and make the compressor work harder.

Pro Tip: If your fridge is usually empty, store water jugs inside to help maintain stable temperatures.

5. Keep the fridge away from heat sources

• Direct sunlight, ovens, or dishwashers nearby? That forces your fridge to work harder.
• If possible, move it to a cooler spot, or at least make sure there’s good airflow around it.

6. Defrost the freezer if there’s ice buildup

• Thick frost layers force your freezer to use more energy.
• If you notice ice buildup, manually defrost your freezer and check if the door seals need replacing.

7. Consider an upgrade

• If your fridge is 15+ years old and guzzling electricity, replacing it with an Energy Star model could save you hundreds per year in energy costs.
• Bonus: Many utility companies offer rebates for upgrading to an energy-efficient fridge.

Quick recap

So, is your refrigerator energy efficient? If not, don’t panic, there are plenty of quick fixes to help your fridge run better, save you money, and even extend its lifespan.

• If your fridge is old, constantly running, or failing the dollar bill test, it’s probably using more energy than necessary.
• Small adjustments, like setting the right temperature, cleaning the coils, and checking the door seals, can make a big difference in energy usage.
• If your fridge is over 15 years old, upgrading to an Energy Star model could pay for itself in energy savings over time.

Keeping your fridge running efficiently isn’t just good for your wallet, it also helps the environment, reduces wear and tear on your appliance, and prevents unnecessary repairs.

And if your fridge needs new door seals, condenser coil brushes, or any other replacement parts, AppliancePartsPros.com has your back. We’ve got OEM parts, step-by-step repair guides, and expert advice to keep your fridge in top shape.

Need help fixing your fridge? Drop us a comment or check out our repair guides at AppliancePartsPros.com!

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Read more:

What Temperature Should A Refrigerator Be Set To?

7 refrigerator tips to keep your food & family safe

Refrigerator Sizes & Dimensions: Guide To Measuring For a New Fridge