Callaway County

The Senior View

April 2002

Refrigerator May Use 15% of Your Home’s Energy When a tornado warning is issued, follow these safety tips. Website for Seniors Check This Out Something to Tickle Your Funny Bone

Refrigerator May Use 15% of Your Home’s Energy

The refrigerator uses more electricity than any other kitchen appliance.  It can account for as much as 15% of a home’s total energy usage.  “The older a refrigerator is the more power it uses,” said Donna Chilton, environmental design specialist, University of Missouri of Missouri Extension.  “Proper operation and maintenance will increase the life and performance of refrigerators while holding down energy costs.”

Chilton recommends homeowners follow these tips for lowering the energy usage of their refrigerator:

·     Don’t keep an old, inefficient refrigerator running day and night in the basement or garage for those few occasions when you need extra ice or refreshments.  Second refrigerators are often older, less efficient models.  A 15-year old refrigerator could cost about $150 per year to operate.  Older models will cost considerably more.

·     Some refrigerators have a switch to control condensation on the outside of the unit.  Turn    off or turn down the “anti-sweat” heater when it is not needed.

·     Keep your refrigerator at 37-40ºF for the fresh food compartment and 0-5ºF for the freezer section.

·     Regularly defrost manual-defrost refrigerators and freezers.  Frost buildup increases the amount of energy needed to keep the motor running.  Don’t allow frost to build up more than one-fourth inch.

·     Regularly brush off or vacuum the refrigerator coils on the back or bottom of the unit unless you have a no-clean condenser model.  Your refrigerator will use less energy with clean coils.

·     Ensure good air circulation around the refrigerator by allowing at least

2 inches on all sides of the cabinet.

·     Place the refrigerator out of direct sunlight and away from hot appliances.

·     Make sure your refrigerator door seals are airtight.  Test them by closing the door over a dollar bill.  If you can pull the bill out easily, the gasket may need adjustment or replacement.

·     Cover liquids and wrap foods stored in the refrigerator.  Uncovered foods release moisture and make the compressor work harder.

When a tornado warning is issued, follow these safety tips.

In the Midwest, peak tornado occurrence takes place mid-March through late June and the state of Missouri is considered at high risk from tornadoes.

“Each year, people are killed or seriously injured by tornadoes despite advance warning.  Some did not hear the warning while others received the warning but did not believe a tornado would actually affect them,” said Eric Evans, emergency management specialist, University of Missouri Extension.

Evans recommends that if a tornado warning is issued, or if threatening weather approaches, do the following:

• ·        In a home or building, move to a pre-designated shelter, such as a basement.

• ·        If an underground shelter is not available, move to an interior room or hallway on  
     the lowest floor and get under a sturdy piece of furniture.

• ·        Stay away from windows.

• ·        Get out of automobiles.

• ·        Do not try to outrun a tornado in your car; instead, leave it immediately.

• ·        If caught outside or in a vehicle, lie flat in a nearby ditch or depression.

• ·        Manufactured (mobile) homes, even if tied down, offer little protection from
     tornadoes and should be abandoned for another tornado shelter.

(Source: University of Missouri Extension Southwest Regional News Service)

Something to Tickle Your Funny Bone      

A college drama group presented a play in which one character would stand on a trap door and announce, “I descend into hell!”  A stagehand below would then pull a rope, the trapdoor would open, and the character would plunge through.  The play was well received.

One day the actor playing the part became ill, and another actor who was quite overweight took his place.  When the new actor announced, “I descend into hell!” the stagehand pulled the rope, and the actor began his plunge, but became hopelessly stuck.  No amount of tugging on the rope could make him descend.  One student in the balcony jumped up and yelled: “Hallelujah! Hell is full!”

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	Callaway County Extension callawayco@missouri.edu Last update: 12/28/11