5 Common Mistakes That Can Damage Your Fridge and Raise Energy Bills

Your refrigerator plays a vital role in your kitchen, but certain actions can lead to costly repairs and a shorter lifespan.

From cramming it full to neglecting maintenance, appliance specialists highlight five major mistakes to steer clear of, plus tips on caring for your valuable appliance.

5 Common Mistakes That Can Harm Your Fridge

1. Overloading It

Stainless steel American style fridge freezer in a wall of floor-to-ceiling kitchen cabinets. The aesthetic of the kitchen is white, clean and minimalist with wooden floors and large kitchen island with spot lighting — Overloading your fridge makes it work harder, leading to higher energy bills.

Adam Bushell, a director at a local electrical company, warns that one of the biggest mistakes is overloading your fridge. He notes, 'When your fridge is stuffed, airflow is restricted, preventing even cooling.' This can disrupt the ideal temperature and lead to increased energy use, ultimately shortening your fridge's lifespan.

Ensure there's enough room for air circulation. If you pack it too tightly, your appliance will have to work harder than necessary.

Consider using storage bins, like the Vtopmart Set of 8 Refrigerator Organizer Bins at Walmart, to help keep your fridge organized without overstuffing.

2. Placing Hot Food Inside

modern kitchen with stainless steel fridge — Let food cool completely before placing it in the fridge.

We often rush to put hot food in the fridge, but David Miloshev, a home improvement expert, cautions against this practice. 'Hot food can raise the internal temperature, putting extra stress on the compressor and increasing energy consumption,' he explains.

However, don't leave food at room temperature for too long to avoid bacteria growth. Aim to cool it down quickly by dividing it into smaller portions or using containers like the Anchor Hocking Glass Food Storage Containers at Walmart.

3. Keeping the Door Open

smeg fridge in kitchen — Leaving the fridge door open wastes energy and risks food spoilage.

Glenn Lewis, president of a prominent appliance repair franchise, explains that an open fridge door leads to wasted energy. 'When the door's ajar, the fridge has to work longer to return to the correct temperature,' he notes. This can also lead to spoiled food.

If you need to keep the door open for any reason, store perishable items in a cooler, like the Coleman 316 Series 120QT Hard Chest Cooler at Walmart, to keep them chilled.

4. Not Allowing Space Around the Fridge

Built-in tall silver fridges in a kitchen, one with a wine window showing inside. — Your fridge needs adequate space to prevent overheating.

Placement matters. David emphasizes that not leaving enough space around the fridge can cause overheating. 'If there's no gap, hot air can't circulate, which can lead to appliance failure,' he warns.

5. Neglecting the Condenser Coils

kitchen with stainless steel fridge freezer — Dirty condenser coils hinder the fridge's cooling efficiency.

Cleaning the condenser coils is often overlooked, yet it's crucial for your fridge's performance. Adam notes, 'Dust and grime can build up, making it difficult for the fridge to cool effectively.'

To maintain efficiency, vacuum the coils every six months. This simple task can help lower energy bills and extend the appliance's lifespan.

For a thorough guide on fridge cleaning, check our expert-approved tips on how to clean a refrigerator. Regular cleaning should include a quick wipe weekly and a deep clean every two to four months.