In recent years, the efficiency of refrigerators has increased substantially. Manufacturers have:
• Improved compressors and motors
• Introduced better door seals and compartmentation
• Increased insulation standards
Even though there have been improvements, most fridges and freezers still operate a long way short of the maximum potential efficiency. Average running costs could be cut by half without serious difficulties, as we can see when we realise that the most efficient existing appliances are 50% more effi¬cient than the average. Although a refrigerator uses a relatively small amount of power in use, it is the fact that it is working 24 hours a day 365 days a year, often in the hottest room of the house, that causes it to be one of the highest energy users.
Choosing a new energy-saving triage or freezer:
• Unless you use a large amount of frozen food it makes the most sense to buy a combined fridge-freezer model. The most efficient place for the freezer compartment is at the top so that it can facilitate cooling below.
• If you do buy a separate freezer, then buy a well-insulated chest type which loses far less cold air when opened than an upright.
• Work out carefully the optimum size you need. Both fridges and freezers operate best when at least three-quarters full.
• Automatic defrost models consume far more energy than the manual defrost models. This is because they contain heaters. The fridge is thus working against itself when defrosting and if the fridge is being used inefficiently the energy used can be increased by a further 50%.
• Find a fridge that is well insulated and look for energy efficiency labels.
Energy saving in use
• Energy saving microelectronics have been developed for refrigerators: they help to match the real load on the motor and save up to 20% of energy. These electronics have been incorporated into a special plug called a saverplug which is well worth installing.
• Locate a refrigerator or freezer away from sources of heat such as a stove or direct sunlight. If you have a fridge that is not well insulated you can provide some extra insu¬lation yourself on the top and sides.
• Check the temperature inside the main refriger¬ator compartment and freezer. They should be between 3° to 5°C and -18°to-15°C respectively. If the temperature is outside these ranges then energy is being wasted and the temperature control needs to be adjusted. Fridge and freezer thermometers are well worth buying and placing in your fridge for the occasional check.
• The back of a fridge is a notoriously difficult place to clean. However the coils or fins tend to become sticky and dusty—this acts as an insulant forcing the motor to work harder and waste more energy. Clean with soap and water.
• If you have a manual or partial automatic defrost facility then defrost regularly.
• Test the door seal and check that it is tight. This is equivalent to draught-proofing your fridge. If there is an air leak it can not only lose energy unnecessarily but will require more frequent defrosting.
• Dispose of your fridge where the CFCs can be salvaged. Enquire at your local council to find out where you can take it.
Energy saving is very important. For this, you should have knowledge about how to choose an energy-efficient appliance. Cooker is the necessity of every home. You should know how to choose an energy saving cooker.
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