Every Fridge Has a “Secret Number Code” – Adjust It Right and You Could Cut Your Electricity Bill in Half!
The key to saving electricity is right inside your fridge—you just haven’t noticed it yet.

The refrigerator is a must-have appliance in every household, running nonstop to keep your food fresh. That’s why it’s no surprise that it’s also one of the most power-hungry devices at home. But did you know that hidden inside your fridge is a “secret number code” that could significantly lower your energy bill?

What Is This "Secret Number Code"?

The “secret code” refers to the numbered dial or slider that controls the cooling power of your refrigerator’s evaporator coil. You’ll usually find it in the fridge or freezer compartment. Understanding how to use this small control properly can help you reduce your monthly electricity bill—without compromising the fridge’s performance or food preservation.

What Does the Cooling Power Dial Do?

Most refrigerators have a dial or slider labeled from 1 to 5 (or Min to Max). This setting controls the cooling strength of the fridge’s evaporator coil, affecting both the freezer and fridge compartments:

• Low numbers (Min or 1-2): Lower cooling power, more energy-efficient, but slower cooling.

• High numbers (Max or 4-5): Higher cooling power, faster cooling, but uses more electricity.

How Can Adjusting This Dial Save Electricity?

Your fridge uses the most electricity when the compressor and cooling system are working at full power. Experts say that keeping the dial on maximum all the time—especially when unnecessary—can increase energy consumption by 30-50%. By adjusting the dial to match your needs, you reduce the workload on the compressor, save electricity, and extend your fridge’s lifespan.

Example: In winter, when ambient temperatures are cooler, there’s no need for maximum cooling. Setting the dial to 2 or 3 is usually enough to keep food fresh while saving energy.

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Tips to Use the Cooling Power Dial Effectively

1. Adjust According to Season and Weather

• Summer/hot weather: Set the dial to 3–4 for quick, effective cooling, especially if the fridge is fully stocked.

• Winter/cool weather: Reduce it to 1–2. The environment is already cool, so less power is needed. This alone could save up to 20% on energy in colder months.

2. Adjust Based on Food Quantity

• Full fridge: Set to 3–4 to ensure cool air reaches all areas, especially for fresh meat and seafood (freezer: ~ -18°C, fridge: 2–4°C).

• Lightly stocked: Set to 2 or Min. Less food requires less cooling. If your fridge has an airflow direction dial, prioritize cold air for the fridge compartment to save even more power.

3. Combine with Airflow Adjustment Dial
Some fridges have a separate airflow control (usually in the freezer). If you mostly store food in the fridge, adjust this dial so more cool air is directed to the fridge compartment. This improves efficiency and reduces electricity use.

4. Regular Temperature Checks
Use a thermometer placed in a glass of water (fridge) or between items (freezer) to monitor temperature after 24 hours:

• Fridge compartment: 2–5°C

• Freezer compartment: -18°C
  If temperatures are off, adjust the cooling dial accordingly.

Also, clean the cooling system and check door seals regularly to prevent cold air loss and help the system run efficiently.

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More Tips for Maximum Energy Savings

• Position your fridge properly: Keep at least 10cm from the wall, away from heat sources like stoves or direct sunlight.

• Don’t leave the door open too long: Warm air enters, making the compressor work harder.

• Let hot food cool before storing: Avoid adding heat that increases the fridge’s workload.

• Clean regularly: Dust off the condenser coils and defrost if necessary to keep the system efficient.

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The “secret number code” on your fridge’s cooling power dial isn’t just a setting—it’s your hidden key to lower energy bills and longer appliance life. With just a few smart tweaks—adjusting by season, food load, and airflow—you’ll save money each month while keeping your food fresh. Try it today, and you might be surprised at how much you can save!