Putting Hot Foods in the Fridge Could Be Costing You Hundreds of Dollars

We know you do your part to cut energy costs at home. You turn off the lights when you leave the room and you keep the thermostat set to a reasonable 68 degrees while you're awake. So why is your electric bill through the roof every month?

Well, if you habitually put still-steaming leftovers in the fridge, there's your answer.

Related: Why You Should Be Salting Your Pineapple



See, hot foods cause the motor to work longer and harder, so your fridge goes into overdrive trying to cool down that stir-fry--causing way more energy waste than known culprits like leaving the door open or packing shelves to the brim.

The solution? Let hot food cool on a countertop for about two hours before sticking it in the fridge. (Any longer and you risk a bacteria problem.)

Friends don't let friends waste energy.

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