Refrigerators Never put more than one major appliance on an electric circuit. Place the unit away from heat sources, such as direct sunlight, ranges, dishwashers and heat registers. Keep refrigerators and freezers nearly full, but not overcrowded, for maximum operating efficiency. Open doors only when necessary and avoid prolonged openings. It takes about 30 minutes for a refrigerator to cool down to its normal temperature after being opened for 30 seconds.
Check gaskets around unit refrigerator and freezer doors for air leaks.
Dishwashers Avoid placing a dishwasher next to a refrigerator. The heat and humidity from the dishwasher will make your refrigerator run longer and use more energy. Always wash full loads. It takes just as much energy to wash a few dishes as it does to do a full load, unless your dishwasher has a partial-load cycle. Let dishes air dry or, if your unit has an energy-saver dry cycle, use it.