If your fridge is an earlier model, direct cool refrigerator and consumes more electricity then unplug it … SAVE; Refrigerators can experience a range of faults, resulting in problems ranging from watery ice cubes, erratic temperatures and stale food. Leave unplugged for around two or three minutes. We lived without a refrigerator for years. My refrigerator is very old, but still works fine. Unplugging or using special power strips that are designed for savings is a great way to save electricity!! Turning off your fridge for short durations like 2-4 weeks may not be sensible as modern inverter technology fridges use less than 300 units of electricity per year. Your refrigerator is the second biggest consumer of electricity, next to the air conditioner. Maybe it will save some energy, but maybe it will blow out your fridge. I'd like to unplug my fridge for a few hours each evening to have silence in my small studio while I fall asleep. Or at least downsize to a much smaller one. It is on a timer, so it happens at random times through the cooling cycle. Make these 21 no-cost changes in your home and you could save $500 or more a year, depending on a number of factors including the size of your home. In addition, you can apply weather-stripping and caulk around your home to seal any cracks. The short answer is no. ... What are the rules for unplugging a refrigerator? I'd like to unplug my fridge for a few hours each evening to have silence in my small studio while I fall asleep. 'You won't save energy by turning your fridge off for short periods of time because it will just use more energy to cool down again when you do turn it back on. That clock means it’s using energy. Yes, you can unplug the refrigerator to save electricity, and you would really save a lot. Does it really save electricity when you unplug appliances? What is the difference between automatic and manual defrost? While you can’t unplug your refrigerator to reduce energy usage, you can take other steps. That would save a lot on your electric bill. Don’t hook up the old one in the basement or garage—an inefficient refrigerator costs as much as $280 a year in electricity. Refrigerators should be maintained at a constant temperature setting at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below. It is on a timer, so it happens at random times through the cooling cycle. When you shop for items like these, compare Energy Star ratings for standby power before you buy, and get the most efficient models you can afford. ... Unplug the refrigerator cord from the wall outlet. Also, does turning the lights off and on (off when you're leaving a room, then on each time you enter that room) use more electricity? Your refrigerator and programmable coffeemaker are obviously appliances that are completely useless should you unplug when they aren’t in use – in particular your refrigerator. Any money you save buying food in bulk and storing it in an inefficient second fridge is … To save electricity, open your curtains whenever you can to let in sunlight instead of using artificial lights. The best way to start saving on your electricity costs is to get smart with how you use electricity.