[MrEnergyCzar]

This is what I've done to prepare my family for peak oil...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PUCl1TruUfo

MrEnergyCzar

[Revi]

I like it! We did a bunch of things too, and have cut our energy use by half.

It's not that hard to do actually. I wonder why more people don't try it.

I think it's because people have been unconcious for so long that they don't want to save money and save energy.

[dorlomin]

Does packing the fridge not use more energy, and restrict the flow of air?

[dolanbaker]

Does packing the fridge not use more energy, and restrict the flow of air?

No, a full fridge uses the same amount of energy, it's just chilling say 20kg of produce rather than 5kg. The volume of the fridge remains the same.

It's the number of times the door is opened and the temperature of stuff put in to it that can make a difference, plus of course it's location.

[Pops]

When you open the door of the fridge the heavier cold air "falls out" and is replaced by warm air that then needs to be cooled.

[GoghGoner]

Does packing the fridge not use more energy, and restrict the flow of air?

That was my first thought, too. I guess it is an urban myth -- searched a bit and I keep finding "keep your freezer full." Learned something before finishing my first cup of coffee...

[MrEnergyCzar]

Does packing the fridge not use more energy, and restrict the flow of air?

Leave some space in the back/sides for airflow...when you've cooled more mass inside the fridge there is less air space for the warm air exchange when the door is opened etc....a fridge well packed with ice packs/water bottles will maintain its temp better and more evenly than an empty one....the fridge should then have to work less to keep the temp constant....