Turning off unused devices, unplugging chargers, or switching off power strips at night are all smart ways to cut down on electricity bills. But not all appliances should be unplugged, even for the sake of saving energy. One in particular must stay plugged in at all times: the refrigerator.
The refrigerator’s job is to maintain a cold, stable environment for your food. If you unplug it:
The cold chain is broken.
Food can spoil quickly, even within a few hours.
It encourages bacterial growth, including salmonella and listeria.
Turning off your fridge — even just overnight — can:
Alter the taste and texture of food.
Cause unpleasant smells.
Result in wasted groceries, which costs more than the electricity you save.
After being unplugged, your fridge has to work harder to cool back down quickly, especially in warm weather. That extra effort uses more electricity than it saved during the downtime.
Repeatedly turning the fridge off and on can stress the compressor and reduce the lifespan of the appliance — potentially leading to expensive repairs or replacement.
Defrost the freezer regularly to improve efficiency.
Don’t overfill the fridge — cold air needs space to circulate.
Check door seals often and replace them if they’re damaged.
Set the temperature to 4°C (39°F) for the fridge and -18°C (0°F) for the freezer — going lower isn’t necessary.
In short: the refrigerator is one appliance that should stay plugged in all the time. Unplugging it won’t save energy — in fact, it could cost you more in spoiled food and damaged components.
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