One of the appliances that weighs the most on the monthly energy bill is the refrigerator. In addition to operating 24 hours a day, the opening and closing of the equipment door by people in the house leads to increased electricity consumption.
For this reason, the National Institute of Metrology, Quality and Technology (Inmetro) is advising citizens that good installation, use and maintenance practices help to reduce consumption, in addition to avoiding waste and extending the useful life of the device.
Tips
The first tip is that the refrigerator should not be glued to the wall or installed in very narrow spaces. Components such as the compressor and condenser need space to release the heat generated during operation. When this ventilation is impaired, the engine works harder to maintain the internal temperature, which increases consumption.
Inmetro recommends following the manufacturer’s instructions which, in general, indicate a minimum distance of around 15 centimeters from the walls.
Another important guideline is to avoid opening the refrigerator door frequently or keeping it open for a long time. This habit allows hot air to enter, which requires greater effort from the cooling system.
To reduce consumption, Inmetro suggests that the ideal is to organize products, open the door only when necessary and avoid storing food that is still hot inside the appliance. You should also regularly check the rubber seal, as wear and gaps compromise efficiency and increase energy consumption.
According to the Institute, cleaning the condenser, called the coil, which is located at the back of most models, is essential for the good performance of the refrigerator, since the accumulation of dust and grease makes it difficult to release heat and can increase consumption.
A practice adopted by many people, which is drying clothes behind the refrigerator, is considered completely inappropriate by Inmetro, because it blocks heat output, reduces ventilation and impairs the functioning of the equipment. The Institute reinforces that adopting these precautions contributes to more efficient consumption, reduces energy bills and helps keep the appliance in good condition for longer.
Inmetro also reinforces that when buying a refrigerator, citizens must check the monthly consumption on the National Energy Conservation Label (ENCE) and give preference to the most efficient models, “since energy efficiency makes a difference to the energy bill”.
