Here is a way to be green and prepare for an emergency at the same time. I rinse out 2 liter soda and juice bottles and fill them 2/3 full with clean water. I then lay them almost on their sides (without the lids on tight), leaning against something, in our large freezer. The next day I screw the lids on tight. This keeps my freezer full so that it uses less electricity. The bonus: If we ever have a water outage, I have gallons of water to rely on. I also grab one or two to use in my ice chest when needed.
By Suzy from UT
(Archived Aug 05, 2010)Keep Your Freezer Full To Save On Electricity
Tip: Keep Your Freezer Full To Save On Electricity
Help keep your freezer from running constantly by keeping it full. If you don't have food to fill it with, fill water bottles, or plastic juice containers with water and fill the empty spaces in the freezer with them. Leave at least 1 inch from the top, to allow for expansion.
Not only will your freezer run less, but you will have bottles of ice to put in your cooler, or lunch box. How cool is that? (no pun intended)
By jg2851 from Shepherd, MI
(Archived Apr 30, 2010)Keep Your Freezer Full To Save On Electricity
Tip: Keep Your Freezer Full To Save On Electricity
Don't let your freezer get partially empty, that costs you money. If the empty spaces are large enough to accommodate large plastic bottles (2-liter or milk), fill the bottles 3/4 with water and place in the freezer. This will provide additional cold and prevent frequent cycling of the compressor.
By cajun62234 from Collinsville
Feedback:
RE: Keep Your Freezer Full To Save On Electricity
It is so true that keeping your freezer full saves you $$ in power. I found to make an even layer across the bottom for the food to stay more stable and flat, I fill plastic square totes. I measured the size I would need. For me two works great. Filled with water 3/4 full, not to heavy to get out if you want water. However, the better reason to have that ice in there is if you ever have a power failure. The freezer still has a large area that will thaw very slow. Most power companies suggest you place a heavy blanket or comforter on the top of the food keeping the cold contained. This can keep a freezer from thawing for up to 72 hours! (11/30/2009)
By EM10
RE: Keep Your Freezer Full To Save On Electricity
I like to have ziplock bags full of ice from my ice maker and put several bags in my bigger freezer. It helps take up space and if needed it is handy for a picnic cooler in the summer instead of buying ice. Also comes in handy to use as a ice pack for injuries and such. (11/30/2009)
By dwutz
(Archived Nov 18, 2009)Keep Your Freezer Full To Save On Electricity
Tip: Keep Your Freezer Full To Save On Electricity
Being single, I don't have my freezer full of food all the time. Keeping your freezer full saves money on your electric bill. I now keep empty spaces full by filling milk jugs with water. I also have clean fresh water on hand at all times in case of an emergency.
By April from Buffalo, NY