Your refrigerator is the biggest energy user in the kitchen and the third largest consumer in the household energy budget (after space heating/cooling and water heating).

• Place your refrigerator in a cool location away from heat sources such as the range or direct sunlight. The cooler the location, the less energy it will take to keep your refrigerator working properly.
• Clean the condenser coils at the back and bottom of your refrigerator and freezer. Dust build-up reduces operating efficiency. By cleaning the coils three or four times a year, you save electricity and money.
• Don't overload your refrigerator with a lot of warm food at one time. Let hot food cool slightly before putting it in the refrigerator.
• Defrost whenever frost builds up to 1/4 inch. Frost is an insulator and makes the appliance work harder to keep foods frozen.
• Keep the freezer full. This uses less electricity to maintain the desired temperature. Don't pack food tight. For efficient cooling and freezing, air must be able to flow between items.
• Keep the door closed. Every time the door is opened, cold air escapes and the refrigerator or freezer works overtime to replace it.
• Worn door seals let cold air seep out. To test for worn seals, simply close the door on a dollar bill. If there is no resistance when you pull it out, the seals should be replaced.
• Keep the refrigerator temperature set at 38 - 40 degrees Fahrenheit, and the freezer temperature at 0 - 5 degrees Fahrenheit.
• When you go away for an extended period, consider turning off the refrigerator. First remove all foods; then rinse refrigerator out with a solution of 2 - 5 teaspoons baking soda to 1 quart of warm water. Leave the door open.

Dust on the coils of your refrigerator costs you money. The coils dissipate heat produced by the refrigerator and dust on them makes it difficult for the coils to lose heat. Therefore, your refrigerator must work harder and longer to cool your food.

Instructions for cleaning your refrigerator coils
You may clean the refrigerator coils with a vacuum or brush.

• Unplug the refrigerator (or turn off the circuit) before using the brush.
• Lay newspapers around the refrigerator to catch falling dust.
• Place the brush on the coils and gently twist to remove the dirt.
• If coils are in the back of the refrigerator:
  
  • Pull the refrigerator away from the wall for easy access.
  • Brush gently, being sure not to stick the brush into the fan.
• If coils are under the refrigerator:
  • Use a flashlight to help see what you are cleaning.
  • Take care not to pull out protective insulation along with the dust.
• Be sure to clean the floor of any dirt or dust before turning the refrigerator back on, otherwise the dust will be blown all around.
• Turn the refrigerator back on again!

Note: Some refrigerators do not have coils, so if you cannot find any, don't worry!