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Inmetro warns that opening the refrigerator without planning, storing hot food, and installing the appliance without ventilation increase energy consumption.
According to Inmetro, National Institute of Metrology, Quality and Technology, guidance published on January 13, 2026, warns that good practices in installation, use, and maintenance of the refrigerator help reduce energy consumption, avoid waste, and prolong the appliance’s lifespan. The most common and impactful habit identified by the agency is frequently opening the door or keeping it open for too long.
Each time the refrigerator door is opened, warm air enters the interior of the appliance and forces the compressor to turn on to restore the temperature set on the thermostat. Since the refrigerator accounts for between 25% and 30% of the average monthly electricity bill, any incorrect use becomes a recurring cost.
A modern household refrigerator consumes between 30 and 60 kWh per month. In older or poorly maintained models, the impact can be even greater, with an estimated annual waste of up to R$ 240, according to calculations cited from Inmetro’s alerts. The note highlights three frequent mistakes, and two of them depend solely on daily usage habits.
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The refrigerator is the most important appliance for saving energy at home
The refrigerator is the only appliance that stays on 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, throughout the entire year. This means that any inefficiency in its operation does not appear as an isolated expense but as an accumulated cost hour by hour on the electricity bill.
The refrigeration system removes heat from the interior of the appliance and releases this heat to the external environment. For this, the compressor turns on and off throughout the day, maintaining the internal temperature within the range set by the thermostat.
When the internal temperature remains stable, the compressor works in short and more efficient cycles. When the temperature rises due to misuse, incorrect installation, or poor sealing, the compressor needs to run longer, consuming more energy.
Opening the refrigerator door without planning increases energy consumption
The first mistake pointed out by Inmetro is opening the refrigerator door frequently or for long periods. This habit seems harmless, but it is one of the most common causes of increased residential consumption.
Every time the door is opened, the cold air escapes and the warm air from the environment enters. The system detects the temperature rise and activates the compressor to restore the internal thermal balance.
The recommendation is to organize the food practically and decide what will be taken out before opening the door. The less time the refrigerator door stays open, the less effort the compressor makes and the lower the energy consumption tends to be.
Storing hot food in the refrigerator forces the compressor and increases the electricity bill
The second recurring mistake is storing pots, containers, or still hot food directly in the refrigerator. This practice causes a rapid increase in internal temperature and requires prolonged work from the refrigeration system.
When hot food enters the appliance, the compressor can run for 30 minutes or more to lower the temperature again. The impact varies according to the volume, the temperature of the food, and the capacity of the refrigerator.
Inmetro recommends waiting for natural cooling before storing food. Besides reducing energy consumption, this care avoids excessive condensation and helps preserve internal components of the appliance.
Installing the refrigerator against the wall hinders ventilation and increases consumption
The third mistake is installation. A refrigerator against the wall, embedded in a tight niche, or surrounded by furniture cannot release heat efficiently, causing the compressor to work harder.
The compressor and condenser need space to dissipate the heat generated during the refrigeration cycle. When this thermal exchange is blocked, the appliance operates for longer periods to reach the ideal temperature.
Inmetro recommends respecting the minimum clearance indicated in the manufacturer’s manual. In general, keeping free space around the appliance improves ventilation, reduces mechanical effort, and helps avoid waste on the electricity bill.
Dust on the refrigerator coil hinders heat exchange and reduces efficiency
The dust accumulated on the back of the refrigerator also hinders the equipment’s functioning. When the coil or condenser is covered with dust and grease, heat release becomes less efficient.
This buildup acts as an insulating layer, forcing the compressor to work harder to compensate for the loss of thermal performance. In homes with pets, excess dust, or a kitchen very close to the appliance, the problem may appear more quickly.
The recommendation is to periodically clean the condenser, always with the appliance turned off and according to the manufacturer’s instructions. A simple maintenance can prevent a silent increase in consumption and prolong the refrigerator’s lifespan.
Refrigerator sealing gasket can waste energy without the consumer noticing
The gasket that seals the refrigerator door is a small but crucial component for energy efficiency. When it has cracks, deformations, or gaps, warm air continuously enters the appliance.
The effect is similar to keeping the door slightly open all the time. The compressor starts working more often and for longer periods to compensate for the constant heat entry, increasing monthly consumption.
A simple test is to place a sheet of paper between the gasket and the cabinet when closing the door. If the paper comes out without resistance, the seal may be compromised and should be evaluated for replacement.
Replacing the refrigerator gasket may cost less than the accumulated waste
Replacing the sealing gasket is usually a simple and relatively inexpensive service. In most models, the cost ranges from R$ 60 to R$ 150 with installation, depending on the brand, size, and region.
When compared to the accumulated expense of months with the compressor working more than necessary, the repair can quickly pay for itself. This is especially relevant in older refrigerators, which already tend to consume more energy.
Inmetro includes the periodic verification of the gasket among the basic preventive maintenance tasks. It is a simple, inexpensive measure capable of preventing continuous waste on the electricity bill.
New Inmetro label in 2026 changed the efficiency classification of refrigerators
For those planning to replace their refrigerator, 2026 brought an important change in energy efficiency rules. As of January 1st, the National Energy Conservation Label, ENCE, began to have a simplified classification in A, B, and C.
The old sub-levels, such as A+, A++, and A+++, have been eliminated. What was previously classified as A+++ has become the new standard A, making the label stricter and easier to interpret at the time of purchase.
For a two-door model with about 350 liters, the new A label is only granted to appliances that consume a maximum of 14 kWh per month. Previously, the limit for the same perception of efficiency could reach 44 kWh monthly.
Inverter refrigerator with A label can reduce consumption by up to 40%
According to Inmetro, replacing an old refrigerator with a modern model with an A label and inverter technology can reduce consumption by up to 40% compared to appliances manufactured before 2022.
With an average rate of R$ 0.90 per kWh, this difference can represent savings of R$ 20 to R$ 40 per month. In a year, the accumulated amount can vary from R$ 240 to R$ 480, depending on the old model, usage, and local rate.
For those with a refrigerator over 10 years old, the return on the exchange can occur between 2 and 4 years of savings on the electricity bill. After this period, each month of lower consumption starts to represent net savings.
Correct use of the refrigerator avoids waste and prolongs the appliance’s lifespan
Saving energy with the refrigerator does not only depend on buying a new model. A large part of the waste comes from simple habits, such as opening the door unnecessarily, storing hot food, and ignoring rear ventilation.
Proper installation, cleaning the coil, internal organization, and checking the sealing rubber form a set of low-cost care. When applied together, they reduce the compressor’s effort and keep the appliance more efficient.
The alert from Inmetro shows that the refrigerator can weigh heavily on the electricity bill, but it also offers a real margin for savings. In an appliance that never turns off, small repeated errors every day become a monthly expense, while small corrections become accumulated savings.
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