Here's Why You Should Never Place Your Refrigerator Near A Window
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The average refrigerator in a home uses about 1 to 2 kilowatt-hours of energy a day, which amounts to about $150 a year. However, there are a number of factors that could make your energy bill higher or lower, including the type, size, age, and condition of your fridge, as well as how much you use it. Another important consideration is where it's located, as one that's near a window will require more energy to stay cold. This is because the warm sun will create extra heat, which the appliance will need to combat by using more energy.
Similarly, you should also keep your refrigerator away from other warm places in your kitchen, like near a heat vent or the oven, as these will also have the same effect as a sunny window. At the same time, you don't want this appliance to be too far away from your food preparation areas and sink, as this could be inconvenient. Therefore, when deciding where to install your fridge, put it next to your counters while keeping it away from heat sources.
How to reduce sunlight
Many homeowners don't have the luxury of choosing where their refrigerator is located, perhaps because the renovations would be too expensive to make room for it somewhere else. Sometimes, there's no other solution but to place this appliance near a window. If this is the case for you, there is a way to reduce the amount of sunlight that streams into your kitchen: by applying a heat-blocking window film.
Available from home improvement stores like Lowe's and The Home Depot, as well as major retailers like Amazon, this heat-blocking window film is installed like a large sticker that attaches to the surface of your window with water. After installing, simply use a squeegee to make sure the film is flat and there aren't any bubbles. This material can block out up to 85% of the infrared rays that would normally heat up your kitchen and specifically, your refrigerator.
Other benefits include that it'll add privacy, decrease UV rays, and remove glare that could make cooking or cleaning difficult. Additionally, those who are renting can also use this product, as it's easy to remove and won't cause any damage.
Other ways to keep your fridge cool
There are also a few other ways to keep your fridge cool and make your home more energy-efficient, and the first has to do with location. If you place your refrigerator on the same wall as your kitchen window but a few feet away, the sunlight won't be able to reach the appliance directly. Further, those who keep their refrigerator in a small space like inside cabinets should make sure it has enough ventilation, as heat from the motor could get trapped behind the appliance.
It's also important to keep the fridge door closed as much as possible. Before you go to grab a snack or make a meal, consider what ingredients you need to prevent having to search for a long amount of time. Installing this appliance near a counter can also be beneficial after grocery shopping, as you'll be able to unpack more efficiently, which will require the door to be open for less time. Deciding upon a smaller-sized refrigerator could also save you money on your energy bill, as the appliance won't require as much energy to run.