How to Reduce Refrigerator Energy Use Safely

Information current as of 08/25/2026.

Set the refrigerator to about 37–38 °F and verify the actual temperature with an appliance thermometer, keeping it at or below the food-safety limit of 40 °F. Keep the freezer at 0 °F, minimize door-opening time, avoid overpacking, maintain airtight seals, provide rear airflow, keep the appliance away from heat sources, and clean condenser coils only when the owner’s manual permits it. Do not expect a universal savings percentage or dollar amount because results depend on the appliance, capacity, surroundings, usage, and electricity rate.

1. Set temperatures for efficiency, then verify them

Use about 37–38 °F as a practical refrigerator target. This fits ENERGY STAR’s 35–38 °F guidance while remaining below the FDA and USDA maximum of 40 °F. Keep the freezer at 0 °F; do not raise it above that temperature as an energy-saving measure when frozen-food safety and quality must be maintained. Place separate appliance thermometers in the refrigerator and freezer because the control setting or display may not show the actual temperature. After changing a setting, allow the temperature to stabilize before checking it again.

2. Reduce cooling losses during everyday use

Plan what you need before opening the door and close it promptly to minimize the time cold air escapes. Do not pack the refrigerator or freezer so tightly that air cannot circulate around the food. These steps reduce avoidable cooling workload while preserving the appliance’s ability to maintain safe temperatures.

3. Check placement, seals, and airflow

Keep the refrigerator away from ovens, dishwashers, and direct sunlight. Leave a few inches between the appliance and the wall, or follow the clearance specified in the owner’s manual, so air can circulate behind it. Check that the door gaskets seal airtight; if a gasket is defective, consider adjustment or replacement. A poor seal or restricted airflow can increase the cooling workload.

4. Maintain the cooling hardware according to the manual

For older models, clean condenser coils only if the owner’s manual allows it and follow its safety instructions. If the appliance is a manual-defrost model, do not allow frost to build up; defrost it as directed. Do not apply a universal cleaning or defrosting schedule because refrigerator designs and manufacturer instructions differ.

5. Keep energy savings separate from food-safety limits

Energy-saving changes must not involve letting the refrigerator exceed 40 °F or the freezer rise above 0 °F. Refrigerate or freeze perishable foods within 2 hours, or within 1 hour when the ambient temperature is above 90 °F. Do not rely on smell or appearance alone to judge whether food remains safe after temperature abuse. The actual electricity savings from a setting or maintenance change vary with the refrigerator’s model, capacity, environment, use, and local electricity rate, so there is no universal dollar or percentage estimate.

6. A quick refrigerator energy-use checklist

□ Set the refrigerator around 37–38 °F without exceeding 40 °F. □ Keep the freezer at 0 °F. □ Verify both compartments with appliance thermometers. □ Close the door promptly. □ Leave room for cold-air circulation. □ Check door-gasket seals. □ Keep the appliance away from heat and maintain rear clearance. □ Clean condenser coils only as directed. □ Defrost manual-defrost models as directed. □ Refrigerate perishables on time.

How to Reduce Refrigerator Energy Use Without Compromising Food Safety