This method is quite simple: every evening before going to bed, simply place a bowl/tray/cup of water in the freezer compartment of your refrigerator and leave it overnight. The next morning, transfer the frozen water to the refrigerator’s fresh compartment and repeat this process daily.

According to experts, although this solution is simple, it is very effective in saving energy for your refrigerator. Typically, refrigerators are not heavily used at night; therefore, placing a bowl of water in the freezer shortens the cooling time and reduces energy consumption compared to daytime use.

Furthermore, transferring the frozen bowl to the fresh compartment allows it to thaw gradually. As the ice melts, it releases cool air that helps the refrigerator quickly reach the set temperature without using much electricity. Additionally, the melting process adds extra moisture to the stored food, helping fruits and vegetables maintain their freshness and nutrients for a longer time.

In addition to the above method, here are some tips to extend your refrigerator’s lifespan and reduce its energy consumption:

Place the Refrigerator in a Cool, Well-Ventilated Area:
Position your refrigerator in a cool place, at least 15–20 cm away from the walls, and avoid direct sunlight or proximity to heat sources.

Check the Door Gaskets:
Ensure that the door gaskets are intact. Damaged gaskets can cause the fridge to lose cold air, forcing the cooling system to work harder and use more electricity.

Limit Door Opening:
Open and close the refrigerator door judiciously. Leaving it open for extended periods allows warm air to enter, increasing energy consumption.

Clean the Condenser Coils:
Clean the condenser coils 1–2 times a year by unplugging the refrigerator and using a soft brush and dry cloth to remove dust and dirt.

Set Appropriate Temperatures:
Adjust the temperature settings of each compartment according to the amount of food stored; avoid setting the temperature at the coldest level unnecessarily.

Wrap Food Properly:
Seal foods before placing them in the refrigerator so that the appliance does not have to work as hard to remove excess moisture, which also helps prevent odor issues.

Avoid Placing Hot Food Inside:
Allow hot food to cool down before storing it in the refrigerator, as introducing hot items increases internal temperature and humidity, leading to higher energy usage.

Avoid Overfilling:
Don’t overload the refrigerator with too much food, as this can reduce food quality and force the appliance to work harder, consuming more power.

Additional Considerations When Purchasing a Refrigerator:

Energy Label:
When selecting a refrigerator, look for models with energy labels that indicate efficiency.

Size and Capacity:
Choose a refrigerator with a capacity and power rating suitable for the number of people in your household and your usage needs.

Multi-Door Models:
If possible, opt for a multi-compartment (multi-door) refrigerator, as these provide better food preservation and reduce cold loss each time you retrieve items.

Inverter Technology:
Consider models that use inverter technology to control the compressor. This not only saves energy—up to about 25–30%—but also uses environmentally friendly refrigerant R600a.

Although refrigerators are among the most energy-consuming appliances because they run continuously, understanding these selection and usage tips can help minimize your electricity costs to the maximum extent.