Refrigerator has a small button that can save millions in electricity bill: Many people don’t know this!
Many people don’t realize that a refrigerator has a simple setting you can adjust during the colder months that helps cut energy use. With one small change, you can lower your electric bill while still keeping your food at the right temperature.
A Tiny Setting With a Big Impact
Refrigerators work around the clock, making them one of the biggest energy consumers in the home. A full-size fridge typically uses about 50–75 kWh each month—only slightly less than major appliances like stoves and water heaters. Since they never stop running, even minor adjustments can lead to meaningful savings.
Why Winter Settings Matter
Most fridges come with a temperature knob or digital control panel, usually numbered from 1–5 or 1–6.
In summer: Higher cooling levels are needed.
In winter: The ambient air is cooler, so the fridge doesn’t need to work as hard.
Energy experts recommend switching the fridge to level 2–3, or even level 1 during colder months. On the lowest setting, most fridges still stay around 2–5°C, which is ideal for food safety but uses less electricity.
The freezer can be adjusted as well. Lower cooling levels work fine for everyday frozen items, but if you’re storing a lot of fresh meats—especially seafood—keep the freezer at -18°C to maintain quality and prevent spoilage.
Adjust Based on How Full Your Fridge Is
If it’s lightly stocked: A lower cooling level is usually enough.
If it’s packed: You might need to raise the setting slightly to ensure all items stay cold.
More Ways to Save Energy
Give your fridge room to breathe: Leave space behind and around it so heat can dissipate. Avoid positioning it next to ovens or other appliances that generate heat.
Open the door less often: When the door stays open, cold air escapes. The compressor then has to run longer to cool everything again.
The Bottom Line
Turning down your refrigerator’s cooling level during winter—along with using simple energy-smart habits—can help you:
Lower your monthly electric bill
Increase the lifespan of your fridge
Keep food safely chilled
A tiny tweak really can lead to noticeable savings in energy and money.