Summer is finally here in Portland, and as the temperature rises, so do our energy bills! One way to cut down on the power your home uses is to perform some simple repairs and follow some simple tips for your fridge. Got an old fridge? It’s time to replace it! Older refrigerators (15-20 years) consume up to 75 per cent more power than a newer one–that’s a lot of cash. Check out these other tips for more money saving measures in the kitchen:
1. Clean beyond the refrigerator shelves by cleaning the condenser coils located behind your fridge at least once a year. Use a brush or handheld vacuum to remove loose particles, including dirt, dust and pet hair.
2. Give your refrigerator some breathing room by keeping the appliance at least two or three inches away from the wall. Also, place your refrigerator away from direct sunlight and appliances that produce heat to make your refrigerator run more efficiently.
3. Check and care for the rubber seals surrounding the inside of your fridge by using mild soap twice a year to help prevent cracked and torn seals. Use your money to test the seals by placing a dollar bill halfway inside the refrigerator door. If the dollar pulls out easily, then your losing money in more than one way and it may be time to replace the rubber seals.
4. Take your refrigerator’s temperature and see if you are wasting energy. Make sure that the refrigerator runs between 36°F and 40°F and the freezer runs between 0°F and 5°F. If it is kept 10°F colder than recommended, you may be using 25% more energy than needed.
5. All refrigerators need maintenance, but if your refrigerator is an older model, it is important to make sure it’s operating efficiently. Refrigerators manufactured after 2001 use at least 30 percent less energy than models made in the 1990s or earlier.
If you’re still dealing with an energy-guzzling dinosaur of a fridge, check out the Energy Star fridge calculator! You can find out how much you’d save if you replaced your main refrigerator with an energy efficient model.
Portland real estate agents are focusing more and more on the potential energy benefits of the homes they are representing, so if you need tips on how to make the most of your home’s energy uses in order to successfully sell your property, or if you’re looking for a Portland home that has been remodeled for smart energy use and sustainability, contact the McDonald Group Real Estate agents today.
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