Your refrigerator and freezer are among the hardest-working appliances in your home — they run 24 hours a day, every day of the year. But with a few smart adjustments to temperature, organization, and daily habits, you can cut down on energy use, keep your food fresh longer, and even lower your electric bill. Here’s how to make your cold storage more efficient.

Set the Right Temperature

Keeping your fridge or freezer too cold wastes energy, while setting them too warm can shorten the shelf life of your food. The ideal refrigerator temperature is between 37°F and 40°F, and your freezer should be set to 0°F.

Every degree colder than necessary can increase energy use by up to 5%. Use an appliance thermometer to check the actual temperature — the built-in display isn’t always accurate. Place the thermometer in the center of the fridge, not in the door or near the back wall, where temperatures fluctuate more.

Keep It Full — But Not Overcrowded

A refrigerator that’s too empty has to work harder to maintain a stable temperature because there’s less mass to hold the cold. On the other hand, an overstuffed fridge blocks air circulation and leads to uneven cooling.

A good trick is to fill empty spaces with water bottles or other nonperishable items. They help stabilize the temperature and reduce energy use when you open the door.

In the freezer, the opposite is true — a full freezer is more efficient. Frozen items help keep each other cold, so the compressor doesn’t have to run as often.

Organize Food by Temperature Zones

Not all parts of your refrigerator are equally cold. The bottom shelves are usually the coldest, while the door is the warmest. Use this to your advantage:

• Bottom shelf: Raw meat, poultry, and seafood.
• Middle shelves: Leftovers, deli meats, and ready-to-eat foods.
• Top shelf: Condiments, butter, and drinks.
• Door shelves: Juices, sauces, and items that can handle slight temperature changes — but avoid storing eggs or milk here.
• Crisper drawers: Fruits and vegetables, but remember that some produce (like bananas, tomatoes, and avocados) lasts longer at room temperature.

Proper organization helps your food stay fresh longer and reduces waste — good for both the planet and your wallet.

Avoid Unnecessary Temperature Swings

Every time you open the refrigerator door, cold air escapes and warm air enters, forcing the appliance to work harder to cool down again.

• Plan what you need before opening the door.
• Close the door promptly after use.
• Let hot food cool to room temperature before placing it inside — otherwise, it raises the internal temperature and makes the compressor run longer.

Also, defrost your freezer regularly. Even a thin layer of frost can increase energy consumption by up to 30%.

Place Appliances Wisely

Where you put your refrigerator and freezer affects how much energy they use.

• Keep them away from ovens, dishwashers, and direct sunlight.
• Allow space around the back and sides for air circulation.
• Clean the condenser coils (the black grid on the back or underneath) a couple of times a year — dust buildup makes the motor work harder.

If you’re shopping for a new model, look for one with the ENERGY STAR® label. These appliances meet strict efficiency standards and can save you hundreds of dollars in electricity costs over their lifetime.

Be Smart About Freezing

Your freezer is a great tool for reducing food waste, but it also uses energy to keep everything frozen. Use it wisely:

• Freeze only what you’ll actually use.
• Store food in airtight containers or freezer bags to prevent freezer burn and make stacking easier.
• Label items with the date so you can use the oldest first.
• Thaw frozen food in the refrigerator — the cold from the frozen food helps keep the fridge cool, saving energy.

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Small Habits, Big Impact

Energy-efficient food storage isn’t just about settings and equipment — it’s about habits. Keep your fridge organized, close the door quickly, and check the temperature regularly.

Even small changes can make a noticeable difference in your energy use. And when your food lasts longer and your appliances run more efficiently, you save money while helping the environment.