Did you know that refrigerators and freezers account for about a sixth of all electricity use in a typical American home, and they use more electricity than any other single household appliance?? Hence, keeping your fridge full, but not to the point of over-stuffing, will allow it to run at maximum capacity.

Did you also know that over-crowding or under-using makes the fridge work harder to maintain it’s optimal internal temp of 3 deg C (or 37 deg Fahrenheit)?

A simple way to retain cold temperatures when the fridge and freezer are less full is to place a glass or ceramic pitchers of water in their compartments. Not only does that maximizes the use of the fridge, it also provides several benefits in terms of energy and water savings, as well as your health.

First of all, a pitcher full of water will help your refrigerator keep your food cool more efficiently, much like how a cold ice pack works in a cooler. Also, whenever you want a glass of water, you won’t have to let the tap run for a few moments to obtain a cool temperature, cutting down on waste. You won’t need as much ice, which requires energy to make.

Secondly, having cold water at the ready will discourage you from reaching for disposable plastic water bottles, which have a sizable environmental footprint to produce, ship and store.

Besides, you’ll also be likely to drink more water, keeping hydrated while avoiding sugar-loaded sodas and other alternatives. Plus, when tap water sits for a while (particularly when uncovered), much of the chlorine that is present from the filtration plant evaporates out. This means you’re enjoying a tastier drink, and cutting down on the toxins, extremely dilute though they may be, that enter your body.

References:

• Fill the fridge
• Keep a pitcher of water in your fridge