Many people are unaware that refrigerators have a small button that should be adjusted during the winter to help reduce electricity usage and save on energy costs.

Nowadays, refrigerators are indispensable appliances in most familíe. The device operates continuously 24/7, in both winter and summer, helping to preserve and store family food to stay fresh longer. Yet, as it operates continuously, the refrigerator is also listed as one of the most energy-consuming devices in the house. Not many people know that there is a small button in the refrigerator that users should adjust in the winter to help save “basic” electricity.

How should the refrigerator temperature be adjusted in the winter to save electricity?
According to statistics, a large refrigerator consumes an average of 50 – 75 kWh of electricity per month, ranking third among household appliances, after electric stoves and water heaters. In reality, the above figure is only an average. During the usage process, there are user habits that can help to save some of the electricity consumed by the refrigerator. Especially when the dry season comes, this only needs to be done with 1 simple operation with 2 compartments – the dry compartment and the cool compartment of the refrigerator. Nevertheless, not many users really know and pay attention to this operation. That is the operation of adjusting the temperature with the knobs or display panel of the refrigerator. With just 1 small adjustment operation with the refrigerator in the winter, the family’s electricity bill can be saved somewhat. According to refrigeration experts, in the winter, to save electricity, users can consider adjusting the temperature of the refrigerator to a lower cooling level. Specifically, in modern refrigerators today, the temperature inside the refrigerator will be regulated at levels 1-5 or 1-6. In the summer, the temperature can be at maximum or near maximum, but in the winter, adjusting the temperature to level 2-3, or even 1 is completely possible. At level 1, the refrigerator temperature will usually fluctuate from 2-5 degrees Celsius. This is the appropriate temperature level for the refrigerator to operate well, complete all the tasks of storing and preserving food, and help the refrigerator to save electricity. This can also be done similarly with the refrigerator compartment.

Apart from adjusting the refrigerator temperature in the winter, according to the weather, users can also do this based on the amount of food stored in the refrigerator. For example, when the refrigerator is too full, it can be adjusted to low cooling levels.

Conversely, when the refrigerator is storing a large amount of food, is necessary to adjust to a high cooling level. In particular, if the refrigerator compartment is storing a lot of fresh food such as seafood, it is best to maintain a high cooling level in this compartment, around -18 degrees Celsius. This temperature level will prevent the growth of bacteria, thereby preserving food longer and more safely. A few tips to help the refrigerator can save a lot of electricity

In addition to changing the temperature of the refrigerator in the winter, experts also give some advice on usage habits, helping the refrigerator save more electricity consumption.

• Reasonable location for the refrigerator
  The refrigerator usually releases heat at the back or 2 sides. When the heat dissipation process is affected, slower than usual, the power consumption of the device will also increase. Therefore, depending on the heat dissipation location of the device, it is advisable for users to place the refrigerator in order that it is not too close to the wall or other obstacles.

Also, the refrigerator should not be placed near other electronic devices such as microwaves, electric stoves, and ovens because two devices that generate heat together will cause the space to heat up significantly, reducing the life of the devices.

• Limit opening the refrigerator door for a long time
  Opening the refrigerator door for a long time will lead to the cold air inside the device to escape. This means that the compressor will need to work harder to produce cold air to ensure