Refrigerator and Freezer tips

The top-bottom, also known as top freezer and top mount, model (left) accounts for about 70% of all units sold. The side-by-side model (middle) accounts for about 25% of sales while the bottom mount (right) accounts for about 3%. The remainder is accounted for by refrigerator-freezer units with single outside door. Photos: GE

Tips for locating your fridge freezer

• Position your refrigerator away from a heat source such as an oven, a dishwasher, or direct sunlight from a window.

• Keep the refrigerator level. If it is not level the door might not close fully.

• Never put a refrigerator or freezer in an unventilated cupboard. Leave at least 3 inches of air space between the back of the refrigerator and the wall, and at 1" on both sides of the refrigerator to allow for good air circulation, and keep the condenser coils clean if you have an older model.

• On built-in units the coils are located on the top or bottom and may require the removal of a grille for access. Read the user’s manual to learn how to safely clean coils. Coil cleaning brushes can be purchased at most hardware stores. Dusty coils can waste up to 30% extra electricity.

Types of Freezer or Fridge (Power)

Domestic refrigerators and freezers for food storage are made in a range of sizes. Among the smallest is a 4 L Peltier fridge advertised as being able to hold 6 cans of beer. A large domestic fridge stands as tall as a person and may be about 1 m wide with a capacity of 600 L. Some models for small households fit under kitchen work surfaces, usually about 86 cm high. Fridges may be combined with freezers, either stacked with fridge or freezer above, below, or side by side. A fridge without a frozen food storage compartment may have a small section just to make ice cubes. Freezers may have drawers to store food in, or they may have no divisions (chest freezers).

There are two types:

• 1) Uses a split circuit that allows refrigerant to chill freeze the freezer compartment & another up the back of the fridge to chill this compartment.
• 2) All of the refrigerant cycle is in the freezer compartment & air is then ducted via a fan & regulator into the fridge compartment.

Fridges and freezers may be free-standing, or built into a kitchen.

• Compressor refrigerators are by far the most common type; they make a noticeable noise.

• Absorption refrigerators or thermo-electric Peltier units are used where quiet running is required; Peltier coolers are used in the smallest refrigerators as they have no bulky mechanism.

• Compressor and Peltier refrigerators are powered by electricity; absorption units can be designed to be powered by any heat source. A noticeable difference between the two types is the absence of refrigerant with the Peltier coolers (these use a different method of cooling). But Peltier coolers use more electricity because they are thermodynamically inefficient.

• Oil, gas (natural gas or propane) and dual power gas/electricity units are also available (typically found in RV's).

• Solar refrigerators and Thermal mass refrigerators are designed to reduce energy consumption. Solar refrigerators have the added advantage that they do not use refrigerants that are harmful to the environment or flammable. Typical solar designs are absorption refrigerators that use ammonia as the working gas, and employ large mirrors to concentrate sufficient sunlight to reach the temperature required to free gaseous ammonia from the solvent.

• Most thermal mass refrigerators are designed to use electricity intermittently. As these units are heavily insulated, cooling load is limited primarily to heat introduced by new items to be refrigerated, and ambient air transfer when the unit is open. Very little power is therefore required if opened infrequently. Refrigeration units for commercial and industrial applications can be made in various size, shape or style to fit customer needs.

• Magnetic refrigerators are refrigerators that work on the magnetocaloric effect. The cooling effect is triggered by placing a metal alloy in a magnetic field.

Fridge/Freezer designs

Top Freezer refrigerator

• Traditional Top Freezer Refrigerator. For a long time, people have considered this as the only true option when it comes to fridge freezer designs. This type is the one you'll find the most in kitchens around the world these days. The best thing about this fridge design is the cost. Of all the designs available, this one is by far the most affordable. This fridge design lends itself to storing snacks at the bottom. Families with kids usually have a fridge like this so the kids can easily help themselves.

• Built-in fridge freezers - Built-in fridge freezers are integrated into a kitchen cabinet and are hidden behind a door. Some people prefer the clean look this gives to a kitchen. However, there are fewer models to choose from than if you buy a freestanding appliance. In fact, you may have no choice if you're buying one as part of deal for a fitted kitchen. Also expect to pay higher prices than for an equivalent freestanding model. It basically comes down to aesthetics – whether you want the fridge freezer hidden behind doors that match your kitchen cabinets – and cost. Built-in fridge freezers tend to be more expensive than freestanding ones, because they have to work in smaller confined spaces with less air-flow and are therefore less energy efficient.

• Bottom Freezer Refrigerators. These types of fridge freezers is a slightly different design than the traditional fridge freezer. The only difference is that the freezer is now at the bottom instead of the top. The reasoning behind this is that people require cold food more often than frozen food. It's so much better to not have to bend at the knees every single time you want to grab something cold from the fridge. The freezer at the bottom slides out very easily. You won't have to bend much, but when you do you'll have an easy time taking from the freezer whatever it was that you were looking for. Another benefit from this design is that it's usually more energy efficient.

• Side By Side Refrigerators. The side by side fridge freezer gives you the best from both worlds. You can store both frozen and refrigerated foods in here. All the ones that you want to access frequently can be on eye level. Very handy indeed. The food items that you use less frequently, can be placed in the lower halves of the fridge and freezer sides. You can minimize the amount of time you'll spend bending in front of the fridge this way. Side by side fridge freezers are currently becoming increasingly popular on the market. Side-by-side refrigerators use approximately 7 percent to 13 percent more energy than similar-sized models with the freezer on top.

Choosing a Fridge or Freezer

• Select refrigerator and freezer sizes that are just large enough for your family’s needs. Operating energy is proportional to cubic feet of refrigerated space, regardless of whether all of the space is utilized.

• All fridges are not created equal! Not only does the appliance need to fit in the amount of kitchen space you have available, it needs to be able to hold sufficient food and beverages to meet your current needs.

• Refrigerators are categorized by cubic foot, which is the amount of space you have to store your food. The sizes of refrigerators start at 9 cubic feet up to 30 cubic feet. Generally 2 people need about 10 cubic feet of storage space and you can add a cubic foot per additional household member. You will want to purchase the largest cubic feet you can afford and have kitchen space for.

• If you have hard water in your area you may need to check into a filter to prevent the ice machine or water line from clogging with the mineral buildup.

• If a water and ice dispenser in the door is important to you a side-by-side refrigerator style is generally your only option. Icemakers on the other hand are easily available and can be installed in your existing freezer fairly inexpensively.

• If you are looking to match your refrigerator to existing appliance be aware that many manufacturers offer door panels or trim kits you can purchase. Most appliance stores list the price for the displayed appliance in white. You can still purchase a fridge in a wide variety of colors like almond, biscuit, black, stainless steel, white, and wood but generally any color other than white will cost you a little more money.

• Easy to clean glass shelves are a good feature to have in a fridge, and will cut down on cleaning time as well as make food items easier to locate. When choosing a fridge your shelving material is wire, plastic, glass, or a combination of one or all of those materials.

• Glass shelving is often considered advantageous over wire shelves so that spills will be contained to one area. Manufacturers call these shelves “spill-proof” or sometimes “spill-guard” shelves and they often include a plastic edge on the shelf to maintain spilled liquids. Choose slide out shelves when possible and check that door side shelving is molded out of one piece for stronger durability. A well-lit interior can also be a good benefit when locating items in the back of the fridge or freezer.

• See-through vegetable crispers and meat drawers help with food organization and do help you find specific foods faster. Most are also climate controlled keeping produce fresh for a longer period of time by providing a high humidity environment for vegetables and low humidity housing for fruits.

• Chest freezers are typically more efficient than upright freezers, because they're better insulated and cold air doesn't spill out when the door is opened.

A Chest freezer (left) and an upright freezer (right). Photos: GE.

Features of different fridges/freezers

Which - different features explained

Impact of Refrigerator and Freezers on lifestyle

The refrigerator allows the modern family to keep food fresh for much longer than before. This, along with the modern supermarket, allows most families, without a sizeable garden in which to grow vegetables and raise animals, a vastly more varied diet and improved health resulting from improved nutrition.

Dairy products, meats, fish, poultry and vegetables can be kept refrigerated in the same space within the kitchen (although raw meat should be kept separate from other foodstuffs for reasons of hygiene).

The refrigerator lets people eat more salads, fresh fruits and vegetables, without having to own a garden or an orchard. Exotic foodstuffs from far-off countries that have been imported by means of refrigeration can be enjoyed in the home because of domestic refrigeration.

Freezers allow households to buy food in bulk: it can be eaten at leisure, and bulk purchase saves money (see economies of scale). Ice cream, a popular commodity of the 20th century, could previously only be obtained by traveling long distances to where the product was made fresh, and had to be eaten on the spot. Now it is a common food item. Ice on demand not only adds to the enjoyment of cold drinks, but is useful for first-aid, and for cold packs that can be kept frozen for picnics or in case of emergency.

Temperature

• Keep your refrigerator at 35 to 38 degrees Fahrenheit. Freezer temperature should be maintained at zero (for top efficiency) to five degrees Fahrenheit. Check guidelines from the manufacturer to ensure it is set to the correct temperature.

• Check the inside temperature of your refrigerators and freezers with a thermometer because the ones built in aren't always accurate. Place an appliance thermometer in a glass of water in the center of the refrigerator. Read it after 24 hours.

• Setting the temperature just 10° F below the recommended setting can increase energy use by as much as 25%.

• Switch your refrigerator’s power-saver to “ON,” if available.

• Perhaps the greatest impact on energy consumption is room temperature. A 10°F increase in temperature can increase energy consumption by 40%! That’s why it is best to place second refrigerators in basements, or other cool locations.

Energy Efficiency for Freezers and Fridges

• Out of all the appliances around your home, refrigerators are among the major usurpers of household electricity—and often they're the prime energy user. Makes sense, right? They're just about the only appliance that's on all the time—365 electricity-draining days of the year. In fact, the Department of Energy estimates that 14 percent of a given household's energy is drained by its fridge.

• The good news is far more efficient, eco-friendly refrigerators are emerging. And this revolution includes the bottom freezer refrigerator, which uses around 16 percent less energy than side-by-side refrigerator models , according to the Consumer Energy Center. Many now carry Energy Star-approved ratings, and some even boast solar power compatibility. Afraid to get lost amidst the options? The bottom freezer refrigerators on this list range from eco-friendly no frills models, to capacious, family-sized-but-still-green workhorses, to elegant yet efficient options. Energy savers take note: All electric bill estimates are based on the $.11 per kilowatt national average for 2008.

• ENERGY STAR qualified refrigerators are at least 20% more energy efficient than minimum federal government standard refrigerators. ENERGY STAR qualified freezers are at least 10% more energy efficient than the minimum federal government standard freezers. Compact refrigerators and freezers are at least 20% more energy efficient than the minimum federal government standard (NAECA) products. Check the annual energy cost on the Energy Guide label to find the most economical buy. The Energy Guide label is not the same as the ENERGY STAR label. In the European Union, the equivalent lavel is the European ECO-LABEL.

• Side-by-side model consumes about 25% more electricity than a Top Mount model. Models with top-mounted freezers use 10–25% less energy than bottom-mount or side-by-side models.

• Comparative efficiency of various refrigerator configurations of a given size/volume. Energy Star

• When buying a new refrigerator, look for new energy-saving features such as improved insulation materials. These features can save as much as 10 percent in annual consumption of electricity.

• Check the temperature - a fridge that is 10 degrees colder than necessary can use 25 percent more energy. Refrigerators should be kept between 35 and 38 degrees - freezers at 0 degrees Fahrenheit.

• If you’re purchasing a stand alone freezer, choose a chest style model. They’re about 25% more efficient that upright models, plus ENERGY STAR qualified models are 10% more efficient than standard models. With an upright model, each time the door is opened, the cold air spills out. This is also partly because they are better insulated.

• Energy Use Comparison of Upright and Chest Freezers Energy Audit

• Automatic ice makers can increase the energy use of a freezer by 10% to 15% due in part to a heater used to release the cubes from the mold. Through-the-door ice dispensers create an area of low insulation in the door that adds to the energy consumption. They also raise the purchase price by $75–250.

• Look for a refrigerator with automatic moisture control. Models with this feature have been engineered to prevent moisture accumulation on the cabinet exterior without the addition of a heater. This is not the same thing as an "anti-sweat" heater. Moisture control devices or "antisweat" heaters, included on some models to prevent condensation on the outside of the refrigerator can add 5% to 10% to energy use. In most climates this heater can be turned off (if a moisture control switch is included) during all but the most humid periods of the year.

• Auto defrost refrigerators consumes roughly 30% more electricity than manual defrost models but this may be a small consideration compared with the convenience of not having to empty and defrost the unit. Another advantage of manual defrost unit is they are not as likely to cause freezer burn. Automatic defrost freezers tend to dehydrate food increasing freezer burn.

• Automatic defrost refrigerator freezers/fridges use little heaters built into the refrigerator's walls to prevent moisture from condensing on the surfaces inside the unit. Some newer units have energy saver or power-saver switches that can deactivate these heaters when condensation is not much of an issue. Unless you have a condensation problem, keep this switched off.

• The single most effective way to reduce refrigerator energy costs is to remove or unplug unnecessary refrigerators or freezers. Running a second refrigerator or freezer, particularly an older model, only makes sense when the additional cold storage is needed. Consolidate your fresh and frozen foods into one appliance and you'll see the savings.

Loading

• A full refrigerator or freezer operates more efficiently than an empty one. This is because when the door does open, if it is full, there isn't much area where warm air can enter. You can fill empty spaces with containers of water, which in a freezer has the added advantage of being able to hold a lower temperature in the event of a power outage. If you don't have enough food to fill it, put plastic bottles filled with water in it or even scrunched up newspaper. It is harder on your freezer to constantly cool air than it is to keep a frozen object cold. If you find your unit is often half empty, decide if you actually need one or, if you are replacing it, think whether you need such a large model.

• However, overloading causes the compressor to run longer. Place foods slightly apart on shelves, making sure there is enough room for the cold air to circulate.

• In freezers, food packages should be scattered and should never be grouped or stacked together until they are completely frozen.

• Cover foods and liquids. Uncovered foods (especially liquids) will release moisture and cause the compressor work harder and use more energy. Keep items covered and contain the moisture in the food and containers where it belongs. Moreover, moisture loss contributes to early spoilage of food. Use aluminum and plastic wrapping not paper as this is an insulator and may not allow your food to cool properly.

• Allow food to cool before putting it in the fridge (but don't let it sit at room temperature for too long – this could be a health risk)

• Plan ahead and remove all ingredients for each meal at one time. Each time the door of a refrigerator or freezer is opened, its compressor has to run a bit longer to replace the cold air that spills out.

• Minimize the amount of time the refrigerator door is open. Actually, door openings have less impact than most people would think. Most studies estimate that door openings typically account for less than 10% of the energy consumption of a refrigerator. While less than you might expect, this is still significant.

Maintaining your freezer

• Vacuum or brush the cooling coils (either in the bottom or at the back) at least every six months. Dirt, dust and oil restrict the air flow around the coils and cause the unit to work harder, increasing energy costs.

• Don't use the top of the refrigerator for storage if the surface is ever hot - you are blocking heat from being exhausted.

• Defrost refrigerators and freezers before ice buildup becomes 1/4-inch thick.

• When away for a longer period, turn off, empty and clean the refrigerator and leave the door ajar.

• The seals around refrigerator and freezer doors dry out and stop sealing well over time, allowing cooled air to escape and wasting energy. Check to be sure your seals are still good by closing the door on a $1 dollar bill or any piece of paper and slowly pulling it out - no resistance means that cold air is escaping even when the door is shut and you should replace the seal or adjust the door, if possible. Another method is to put a flashlight inside the refrigerator to check for leaks. If you can see light around the door gasket, it is not sealing properly.

• Clean door gaskets with warm water or a detergent that leaves no residue since a tight-sealing door gasket is critical to the efficiency of your refrigerator.

Troubleshooting

• Some odors are so bad they remain even after the spoiled food has been removed. A thorough wash with an ammonia cleaner and warm water mixed with baking soda should eliminate the smell. If not, try leaving an open box of baking soda in the fridge.

• Another home remedy for bad refrigerator smell is to put a few individual bread slices into the fridge for a day. Bread is a surprisingly good odor absorbent, and if you repeat the experiment for several days you should see an improvement in the refrigerator's smell.

• If water is dripping inside the fridge, its drainage system is probably clogged. Before you do anything, unplug the refrigerator just to be safe. Then locate the refrigerator's drainage system. It could be a cup behind/beneath the crisper that's connected to a hose. Fill a turkey baster with hot water and a little baking soda and release this into the drain hose. You might also need to use a small piece of wire or pipe cleaner to push a clog through to the drain pan.

• If you hear sounds from your freezer, read this descriptive list if the sound is due to normal operation of your unit.

• Check door seals regularly to make sure they're airtight. If it has cuts, tears, or rips, order a replacement part while deformations or wrinkles may be solved by using a blow dryer. Place the blow dryer on the low setting and aim it at the section that needs correcting. Use your hand to smooth out the gasket as you blow it with the blow dryer. If the gasket has pulled loose from the door it can be pushed back into the retainer.

• For more troubleshooting tips, please visit GE's Refrigerator FAQs page or your unit's manufacturer's website.

Second Refrigerator

• Unplug that spare refrigerator in the "garage" if you don't truly need it - this seemingly convenient way to keep extra drinks cold adds 10-25% to your electric bill.

• Unless it has untold sentimental value, get rid of that older, energy-hogging second refrigerator in your garage! It's costing you about $120 a year to operate. One large refrigerator is cheaper to run than two smaller ones. (Warning: If you get rid of an older refrigerator or freezer, please dispose of it properly, and make sure the door is removed so children cannot be trapped inside.)

• NEVER put a second refrigerator in the garage. In the winter months, frozen foods may melt (as the temperature sensor in the refrigerator will not activate the compressor if the temperature in the garage is 42 F or lower). In the summer months, the temperature in the garage can easily exceed 100 F, and the refrigerator has to work extra hard to keep food cold. If you need a second unit, place it in your basement.

Manufacturers of Fridges and Freezers

• Electrolux
• Haier. Freezer and refrigerators.
• GE. Refs and freezers.
• LG
• Panasonic
• Samsung
• Sharp
• Whirlpool
• W.C.Wood Co.
• Northland-Marvel
• Sanyo
• Bosch
• Liebherr refrigerators, freezers, and commercial refrigeration and freezing products.
• Fisher&Paykel
• U-Line Corp
• Marvel Industries
• Sub-Zero Freezer Co.
• Viking Range Corp
• Miele

Recycling

• Approximately 98 percent of a refrigerator unit is recyclable.

• Because of the way appliances have to be recycled, many recycling companies have to charge a fee to pick up and recycle your old appliances.

• There are ways to recycle your unit.

• Contact your local waste management division if they pick up old units for recycling.

• Locate scrap metal recyclers that recycle steel.

• Many appliance retailers will pick up and recycle your old fridge or freezer when you purchase a new one. Locate these companies at ENERGY STAR partners. The following utilities and stores offers a free pick up of old refrigerators and freezers from their consumers in addition to a cash incentive for recycling.

• SRP in Arizona, USA.
• SMUD in California, USA.
• San Diego Gas and Electric ( SDG&E), a Sempra Energy Utility company in California, USA.
• Snohomish County PUD in Washington, USA.
• Rocky Mountain Power in Utah, Wyoming and Idaho (US)
• NV Energy for Nevada and California (US)
• PNM in New Mexico, US.
• PG&E in California, US.
• Nebraska Public Power District NPPD in Nebraska, US.
• Great River Energy [1]
• Georgia Power Refrigerator/Freezer Recycling Program in Georgia, US.
• Energy Trust of Oregon (USA)
• Dayton Power and Light ( DP&L) of Ohio, USA.
• Souther California Edison SCE in California, US.
• Consumers Energy of Michigan, US.
• Commonwealth Edison Company (ComED) in Illinois, US.
• City of Palo Alto Utilities of California, USA.
• City of Fort Collins in Colorado, USA.
• City of Burbank Water and Power in California, USA.
• Austin Energy in Texas, USA.
• AEP in Ohio, USA.

See also

• Microwave

• Air conditioning Tips - Airconditioners

• Washing machines

• Dishwasher

References

• EnergyStar.gov's Best Practices for Refrigerators
• Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD)'s Home Energy Library:Improvements
• NV Energy's EnergySmart Library
• Georgia Power's Energy Library: Refrigerator and Freezers
• DP&L's More than 100 ways to Improve your Electric bill
• Energyrating.gov.au's Saving energy using refrigerators and freezers.
• Refrigerator.com Troubleshooting
• Snohomish County PUD's Residential Energy Savers:Appliance Tips
• SDG&E's Home Energy Efficiency Survey Library: Refrigerators and Freezers

Other Freezer and Fridge information

• Freezer tips for busy cooks
• Ask the meatman - freezing tips
• Freezer care and maintenance tips
• Energy efficient freezers
• The best chest freezers 2009
• Refrigeration Engineer
• Price comparison - Bizrate