Make sure the gasket between the door and the compartment seals tightly by closing the door on a dollar bill and tugging on it. There should be resistance when you pull on the bill. Do this is several spots around the door, and if you find any spots where the dollar bill is loose you can try to clean the gasket. If this does not fix the problem, look to see if the gasket is loose or torn and, if so, you may be able to fix the problem with glue. If it can’t be glued you can call the place where you purchased the refrigerator and have them order you a new gasket.

Make sure the coils on the back of the refrigerator are kept clean and cool to keep it working at peak efficiency. Vacuum the coils periodically to remove any dust. Place the refrigerator as far away from any heat sources such as stoves and radiators as possible in order to keep coils cool.

Let hot foods cool before storing them in the refrigerator and the refrigerator will use less energy.

Both the refrigerator and freezer work more efficiently when relatively full. Make sure items in the refrigerator are spaced a little to allow air to circulate around them.

Cover liquids. Uncovered liquids add humidity, making the refrigerator work longer.

Invest in a refrigerator thermometer and keep the refrigerator at the proper temperature. The refrigerator compartment should be at 38-40 degrees and the freezer at about 5 degrees. For long term storage in the freezer the temperature should be 0 degrees.