17
Storing Food & Saving Energy
IDEAS FOR STORING FOODS
Fresh Food Storage
• Keep the fresh food compartment between 34° F and 40° F with an optimum
temperature of 37° F.
• Avoid overcrowding the refrigerator shelves, which reduces air circulation and
causes uneven cooling.
Fruits and Vegetables
• Store fruits and vegetables in crisper drawers, where trapped moisture helps
preserve food quality for longer time periods.
Meat
• Wrap raw meat and poultry securely so leakage and contamination of other
foods or surfaces does not occur.
ENERGY SAVING IDEAS
• Locate the refrigerator in the coolest part of the room, out of
direct sunlight, and away from heating ducts or registers. Do
not place the refrigerator next to heat-producing appliances
such as a range, oven, or dishwasher. If this is not possible,
a section of cabinetry or an added layer of insulation
between the two appliances will help the refrigerator operate
more efficiently.
• Level the refrigerator so that the door closes tightly.
• Refer to the
"SETTING THE TEMPERATURE CONTROL"
section for the
suggested temperature control settings.
• Do not overcrowd the refrigerator or block cold air vents. Doing so causes the
refrigerator to run longer and use more energy.
• Cover foods and wipe containers dry before placing them in the refrigerator.
This cuts down on moisture build-up inside the unit.
• Organize the refrigerator to reduce door openings. Remove as many items as
needed at one time and close the door as soon as possible.
