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Freezers

If you're planning to purchase a new freezer, remember that the average life expectancy of a freezer is 21 years! You'll want to make sure to buy the most efficient freezer available, and use it wisely. Check the EnergyGuide label for information on a freezer's energy efficiency. Get the most efficient unit you can afford. Remember that chest freezers are more efficient than uprights, because they retain the cold better (cold air sinks), and they also have more usable space.

When choosing a freezer's capacity, allow about 3 to 5 cubic feet per person in your family. If you entertain a lot or store a great deal of frozen food, go for a larger model. Freezers work best when they are two-thirds full. They need air circulation to operate efficiently, so don't overload, but running them near-empty is wasteful. Therefore, fill up water jugs to help occupy any unused space.

Keep your freezer in a dry area with a consistent temperature -- preferably an insulated and heated room. Storing the freezer in the garage, on the porch or in other places where temperatures can fluctuate often could result in damage to the freezer compressor.

Avoid placing the freezer near heat sources, such as the furnace or water heater, or in direct sunlight. Keep a good thermometer in the freezer and check it often to ensure that the temperature stays about 0 degrees F or -18 degrees C. Don't open the freezer anymore than necessary, and don't let the door stay open. Cold air escapes, making the freezer work harder to maintain the right temperature.