Check the Temperature in Your Fridge and Freezer

You'll be surprised how much energy you may be wasting. Also see 30+ Ways to Save Money by Going Green.

Keep your fridge at 37 degrees. Green Tip

Photo: Tatiana Popova / Istock

By Brian Clark Howard

It's easy for those dials to get knocked out of whack by oversized tubs of leftovers or marauding children or houseguests, so make sure you have the temperature set optimally in your appliances.

You should consult with your manufacturer, but in general the EPA recommends keeping refrigerators at 37 degrees F and freezers at 3 degrees. Anything colder is probably overkill, and a waste of energy.

That's important, because refrigerators and freezers use about a sixth of home electricity.

Not sure if the internal temps are actually correct? Place a weather thermometer inside to check the temperature and adjust the dials until you get the desired results.

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