Get the Quickest Payback from Your Refrigerator
Store it in a cool, dark place
If you have a choice about placing your refrigerator, keep it out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources such as ovens, radiators or heating vents, and dishwashers.
Don’t waste its time
Standing with the door open searching for your food wastes your time and the refrigerator’s energy. Organize its contents and minimize the number of times you open the door.
Let the door close comfortably
If you’ve stuffed that last awkward item in the fridge and you’re not sure it closed well, it probably didn’t. Rearrange the shelf and make sure the door closes well.
Let your hot food cool
Even the USDA says your cooked food is safe on the counter for at least an hour, long enough to let it cool to room temperature. Doing so will save the refrigerator work.
Thaw frozen foods in the fridge
They'll help cool the fridge as they defrost, and it’s better for food safety. (from Mr. electricity)
Take its temperature
The refrigerator compartment should be kept between 36°F and 38°F, and the freezer compartment between 0°F and 5°F. Test at least twice a year.
Check its power-saver switch
Many refrigerators have small heaters built into the walls to prevent moisture from condensing on the outer surface — as if the refrigerator doesn’t have to work hard enough already! On some units, this feature can be turned off with an energy-saver or power-saver switch. Unless you have noticeable condensation, keep this switch on the energy saving setting.
Watch for leaky doors
As the seal, or gasket, around the door ages, it may begin to leak air. Use a dollar bill to test it; if the bill slides easily in and out of the door, you’re spending lots of those dollars in wasted energy. Have the seal replaced.
