Many people do not realize that refrigerators have a small temperature control setting that should be adjusted during the winter to reduce electricity consumption and save money.

Refrigerators run 24 hours a day, all year round, making them one of the highest energy-consuming appliances in the home. On average, a large refrigerator uses about 50–75 kWh per month, ranking behind electric stoves and water heaters in electricity usage.

During winter, you can save energy by lowering the cooling level. Most modern refrigerators have temperature settings from 1–5 or 1–6. In summer, higher settings are often necessary. However, in winter, adjusting the temperature to level 1–3 is usually sufficient. At level 1, the temperature typically stays between 2–5°C, which is enough to keep food fresh while reducing energy use.

You should also adjust settings based on how much food is stored. A fuller refrigerator may need slightly higher cooling, while a lightly filled one can operate at a lower setting. Keeping the freezer at around –18°C ensures safe food storage and prevents bacterial growth.

In addition, simple habits—such as avoiding frequent door opening and not placing hot food inside—can further reduce electricity consumption.