Many households are unaware that most refrigerators include a small control that should be adjusted during winter months to reduce energy consumption and cut electricity costs.
Today, refrigerators are essential in nearly every home. They run nonstop, day and night, throughout every season, keeping food fresh and safe. But because they operate 24/7, they are also one of the biggest electricity consumers in a household. What many people don’t realize is that a simple adjustment — especially in winter — can noticeably lower the refrigerator’s energy use.
How to adjust the refrigerator temperature in winter to save electricity
A large refrigerator typically uses between 50 and 75 kWh of electricity per month, placing it among the top three most power-hungry appliances, behind electric stoves and water heaters. This number is only an average; in reality, user habits greatly affect how much energy the fridge consumes.
When cooler weather arrives, there is one simple operation that can reduce electricity usage in both the freezer and the refrigeration compartment: adjusting the temperature setting.
Most modern refrigerators allow you to select a cooling level ranging from 1–5 or 1–6. In summer, people often set the fridge to the highest levels to combat heat. But in winter, when the environment is naturally cooler, you can safely reduce the setting to level 2–3, or even level 1 in some cases.
At level 1, the refrigerator temperature usually stays between 2–5°C — enough to keep food fresh while preventing unnecessary energy use. The same concept applies to the freezer compartment.
You can also make adjustments based on how full the fridge is:
• If the refrigerator is nearly empty, you can lower the cooling level.
• If it is packed with food, increase the setting.
• For freezers holding lots of raw items like seafood, keep the temperature around -18°C to maintain food safety and prevent bacterial growth.
Additional ways to help your refrigerator use less electricity
Experts also recommend adopting a few everyday habits to maximize efficiency.
1. Place the refrigerator in a suitable location
Refrigerators release heat from the back or sides. If the heat cannot escape easily — for example, if the fridge is pushed too close to a wall — the appliance will consume more power to stay cool.
Tips:
• Leave adequate space between the fridge and surrounding walls.
• Avoid placing the refrigerator near heat-emitting appliances such as ovens, microwaves, or stoves, as the extra heat forces the fridge to work harder.
2. Limit how long the door stays open
Keeping the fridge door open too long allows cold air to escape. When this happens, the compressor has to run harder and longer to cool the interior again, increasing electricity usage.
Making small adjustments — especially during the winter — can help you save noticeable amounts on your power bill. All it takes is mindful temperature settings, smart placement, and simple everyday habits.
Protecting your refrigerator’s efficiency not only lowers energy costs but also extends the lifespan of the appliance.