Refrigerator has a small button that can save millions in electricity bill: Many people don’t know this!

Most people don’t realize that refrigerators have a simple setting that can be adjusted during the winter to cut down on electricity use. This small change can make a noticeable difference in your energy bill while keeping your food fresh and safe.

Refrigerator has a small button that can save millions in electricity bill: Many people don’t know this!

🧊 Why It Matters

• Refrigerators run 24/7, year-round, making them one of the most energy-hungry appliances in the home.
• On average, a large refrigerator consumes 50–75 kWh per month, ranking just behind stoves and water heaters.
• Because they operate continuously, even small adjustments in usage can lead to meaningful savings.

🔧 The Winter Adjustment

Modern refrigerators typically have a temperature dial or digital panel with levels ranging from 1–5 or 1–6.

• Summer: Higher cooling levels (near maximum) are often needed.
• Winter: Lower settings are sufficient. Experts recommend adjusting to level 2–3, or even level 1.
  • At level 1, the fridge temperature usually stays between 2–5°C, which is ideal for food preservation while reducing energy use.
• The freezer compartment can also be adjusted. For everyday use, lower cooling is fine, but if storing large amounts of fresh food (like seafood), keep it at -18°C to prevent bacterial growth.

📦 Adjust Based on Food Load

• Lightly stocked fridge: Lower cooling levels are enough.
• Heavily stocked fridge: Increase cooling to maintain safe temperatures.

💡 Extra Tips for Energy Savings

1. Placement matters
   • Leave space behind and around the fridge for proper heat dissipation.
   • Avoid placing it near heat-generating appliances like ovens or microwaves.
2. Limit door openings
   • Each time the door stays open, cold air escapes.
   • The compressor then works harder to restore the temperature, increasing energy use.
3. Use broth or water wisely
   • For savory foods, cook with chicken broth instead of water to enhance flavor while keeping grits (or other foods) balanced.

🌍 The Bottom Line

By simply lowering your refrigerator’s cooling level in winter and practicing smart usage habits, you can:

• Save electricity
• Extend the life of your appliance
• Keep food fresh and safe

A small adjustment really does go a long way toward reducing household energy costs.