5 Smart Ways to Keep Your Fridge Running Like New (And Save Money)

Your refrigerator is one of the hardest-working appliances in your home. It runs 24/7 to keep your food fresh and safe. But just like any machine, it needs some attention to work well. Taking care of your fridge can help it last longer, keep your food at the right temperature, and lower your energy bills.

If your electricity bill has been creeping up, your fridge might be part of the reason. When it runs inefficiently, it uses more power than necessary. The good news? Simple steps can help you improve refrigerator performance and reduce your household energy use. These five smart tips will help keep your fridge running like new—and help you save money every month.

1. Clean the Coils Regularly

Dust and dirt buildup on your refrigerator's condenser coils makes it harder to cool properly. When these coils are clogged, your fridge has to work overtime, using more electricity and wearing out faster.

To clean them, unplug the fridge and locate the coils—usually at the back or underneath. Use a coil brush or vacuum to gently remove the dust. Doing this every six months can improve your fridge’s energy efficiency and extend its lifespan.

2. Set the Right Temperature

Setting the correct temperature is key to keeping food fresh and using less energy. Your fridge should be at or below 40°F (4°C), and your freezer should be at 0°F (-18°C). If it's too cold, you’re wasting energy. If it’s too warm, food can spoil quickly.

Use a thermometer to check and adjust the settings. Many people trust the default settings, but taking a few minutes to fine-tune the temperature can prevent food waste and lower your utility bill.

3. Keep It Full—but Not Overstuffed

A well-stocked fridge holds cold better than an empty one, which helps it stay at the right temperature with less work. Items help maintain the cold air inside when the door opens. But if it’s overstuffed, air can’t circulate properly. That forces the motor to run longer, increasing energy use.

Store items in containers that fit well. Glass containers are ideal because they retain cold better than plastic ones. Keep things organized so air can move freely around shelves and drawers.

4. Check the Door Seals

If cold air is escaping, your fridge has to work harder to stay cool. The rubber gaskets around the door can wear out or collect food residue. Check them regularly by closing the door on a dollar bill. If the bill slides out easily, the seal might be weak.

Clean seals with warm soapy water, and replace them if they’re cracked or no longer flexible. A strong seal helps lock in cold air and improves energy efficiency. It’s a small fix that can make a big difference in refrigerator performance.

5. Give It Breathing Room

Your fridge needs space around it to release heat. If it’s crammed between cabinets or pushed too close to the wall, that heat builds up. This makes the fridge work harder to stay cold.

Leave at least a few inches between the back of the fridge and the wall. Also make sure air can flow underneath and around it. Good airflow improves energy efficiency and helps the compressor last longer.

Bonus Tips to Save Even More

• Don’t keep the door open longer than necessary. Cold air escapes fast.
• Let hot food cool before putting it in the fridge.
• Defrost your freezer if it’s not frost-free.
• Store food in covered containers to reduce moisture.
• Turn on “energy saver” mode if your fridge has it.

Taking care of your refrigerator doesn’t require much effort, but the rewards are real. Lower energy costs, fewer repairs, and food that stays fresher longer. Whether you're trying to improve your refrigerator's efficiency or just want it to last longer, these simple habits will help you get the most out of it.

Start with one tip today—clean the coils or check the temperature. Small actions add up. A well-maintained fridge is better for your budget and the environment. Keep it running like new, and it will keep your food fresh and your energy bills low.