Any information available at your local power utility web site will tell you that if your fridge is more than 15 years old and not a shiny, new Energy Star compliant model that you should recycle it.  So yes, a new fridge is better than an old fridge but that presents three problems right off the bat:

1. A lot of people rent and aren't in a position to just replace their applicances.

2. Not everyone has the $$$ to drop on new appliances anytime they want.

3. Getting rid of an old fridge that is functional but just not terribly energy efficient seems awfully wasteful.

So what if you want to make your kitchen more eco-friendly but you're just not in market for a new refrigerator?  Here are a few tips to help get the most out of your current refrigerator.

1. Vacuum the refrigerator coils about once every 6 months to ensure the compressor runs efficiently.

2. Check the seals on the doors to ensure they are sealing properly.  You can do this by closing the door on a small piece of paper like a dollar bill.  If you can pull it out easily you should look for a door seal replacement kit from your local home improvement center or appliance dealer.

3. Defrost that freezer at least once every six months.  If you have a truly old-school style fridge with the little freezer shelf built in to the main fridge unit be sure to defrost it regularly to prevent the buildup of a thick layer of snowy frost which will prevent it from running at its best.

4. Make sure it's set properly.  The fridge should be set to about 37°F/3°C and the freezer should be 0° to 3°F or about -16°C.

5. Don't overload your freezer or fridge.  Cold air needs room to circulate to maintain an optimum temperature.

So there you have it: five tips that can help you get the most out of your fridge even if it's not brand new.  Any extras to add?  Add them in the comments!

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