Tip of the Week: Regular Refrigerator Maintenance for Better Performance–Who Knew?

Routine maintenance is important for refrigerators. Dirt should be cleaned from the refrigerator coils every six months to a year – more often if there are shedding pets in the home.

When coils are dirty with lint, dust, or pet hair, the refrigerator has to work harder than it’s designed to, which can prevent the appliance from cooling properly and efficiently. This can increase the energy cost of the refrigerator by as much as 35% and shortens the life of the refrigerator.

Also, keep the refrigerator or freezer away from direct heat. Place the refrigerator or freezer away from direct sunlight and other heat sources such as ovens or ranges. Heat will cause the unit to use more energy to stay cold.

Do not forget to regularly change the water filter, if the refrigerator has an in-the-door ice and water dispenser, and the air filter which now come with many models.

https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/purchasing-and-maintaining-refrigerators-and-freezers

More Resources

Tip of the Week: What are Aseptic Containers and Why Can’t They Go in the Recycling Cart?

Learn More

Tip of the Week: Refresh Your Curbside Recycling Knowledge

Learn More

Tip of the Week: New EV Charging Stations Available at the Cooper Center, Lincoln-Eliot, and NNHS

Learn More

Contact Green Newton’s Energy Advocate

Email armela@greennewton.org or click the button to schedule a free 30 min meeting with Armela to answer all your home energy questions!

Download the Green Pages

A local directory of recommended businesses that can help make your home energy efficient including: solar, heat pump, insulation and more!

Get local climate news, action and events

Sign Up for Green Newton’s e-newsletter

"*" indicates required fields

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
First Name