A similar principle applies to freezers.
Some homeowners place bottles of frozen water inside the freezer.
Benefits may include:
- Improved temperature stability
- Additional thermal mass
- Slower warming during brief power outages
The frozen water acts as a “cold reservoir” that helps maintain low temperatures.
Other Easy Ways to Save Refrigerator Electricity
While the water-bowl trick may help somewhat, larger savings often come from good maintenance habits.
1. Avoid Leaving the Door Open
Every second the door remains open allows cold air to escape.
Try to:
- Decide what you need before opening
- Retrieve items quickly
- Close the door promptly
This simple habit can reduce unnecessary compressor operation.
2. Check the Door Seals
Worn door gaskets allow cold air to leak out continuously.
Signs of a poor seal include:
- Condensation around the door
- Visible gaps
- Doors that do not close tightly
Replacing damaged seals may improve efficiency.
3. Keep the Coils Clean
Dust-covered condenser coils force the refrigerator to work harder.
Cleaning coils periodically may:
- Improve efficiency
- Reduce energy consumption
- Extend appliance life
Many manufacturers recommend regular coil maintenance.
4. Avoid Overcrowding
While a moderately full refrigerator can be beneficial, excessive overcrowding may restrict airflow.
Proper air circulation helps maintain consistent cooling.
Food should not block:
- Air vents
- Cooling outlets
- Internal fans
5. Set the Correct Temperature
Many people unknowingly set their refrigerator colder than necessary.
Experts generally recommend:
- Refrigerator: around 37–40°F (3–4°C)
- Freezer: around 0°F (-18°C)
Extremely cold settings may increase electricity usage without significantly improving food safety.
6. Keep Hot Foods Out
Placing hot food directly into the refrigerator introduces extra heat.
This forces the compressor to work harder.
Allow foods to cool somewhat before refrigeration while still following safe food-handling practices.
7. Leave Space Behind the Refrigerator
Refrigerators release heat through their cooling systems.
Adequate ventilation around the appliance helps dissipate this heat more effectively.
Check manufacturer recommendations for proper clearance.
Common Myths About Refrigerator Energy Savings
Myth: An Empty Refrigerator Is More Efficient
Not necessarily.
Moderately filled refrigerators often maintain temperatures more effectively.
Myth: Colder Settings Always Keep Food Fresher
False.
Excessively cold temperatures may waste energy and can even damage certain foods.
Myth: Opening the Door Briefly Doesn’t Matter
Repeated openings throughout the day can significantly affect internal temperatures.
Myth: The Bowl of Water Alone Will Dramatically Lower Bills
False.
The effect is generally small and works best alongside other efficiency measures.
Additional Benefits of Keeping Water in the Refrigerator
Even if energy savings are modest, storing water offers other advantages.
You always have:
- Cold drinking water available
- Better use of unused refrigerator space
- Added thermal stability
Some homeowners keep multiple reusable water bottles inside for this reason.
Final Thoughts
Placing a bowl or container of water inside the refrigerator is a simple trick based on a real scientific principle: water helps stabilize temperature because it absorbs and retains heat effectively. While the energy savings may not be dramatic, the method can contribute to a more stable internal environment, particularly when the refrigerator is relatively empty.
For the greatest impact, combine this trick with other proven energy-saving habits such as minimizing door openings, maintaining clean coils, checking door seals, setting appropriate temperatures, and ensuring proper airflow. Together, these small changes can help improve refrigerator efficiency, reduce wear on the appliance, and potentially lower electricity costs over time.
