ADVERTISEMENT
These seasons generally have milder ambient temperatures, which means your fridge and freezer don’t have to work as hard. This is a great time to check the internal temperature with an appliance thermometer and fine-tune it if needed. If your fridge is running colder than needed, you can slightly dial it back to save energy.
Summer: Keep It Cooler
During the summer months, your kitchen tends to be warmer, and your fridge may get opened more often (think family gatherings, cold drinks, popsicles). Warm air sneaks in, and the appliance has to work harder to stay cool.
Tips:
Set your fridge closer to 37°F to compensate.
Avoid overloading the fridge—it restricts airflow.
Keep cold items like drinks and leftovers covered and placed near the back (coolest part).
Winter: Monitor for Overcooling
In colder months, especially if your fridge is in a garage or basement, external temperatures can drop significantly. This might confuse the thermostat or compressor, especially in older units or ones in unheated areas.
Tips:
If you notice items freezing in the fridge (like lettuce or milk), bump the temperature up slightly toward 40°F.
Check your freezer too—if the compressor isn’t kicking on often, the temp might rise above 0°F without you realizing.
Optimal Temperature Settings for Energy Efficiency
