The Most Efficient Insulating Materials for a Refrigerator

Identification

• Insulation is important to maintain temperatures inside your home and reduce heat loss through the foundation. Your appliances can also be insulated for added protection from thermal resistance; for example, you can wrap your hot water heater in insulation and put insulation between your dishwasher and refrigerator. While there are a variety of insulating materials, rigid foam board insulation provides adequate protection against heat loss from your appliances.

Types

• Rigid foam board insulation is typically made from polystyrene or polyurethane, which comes in panels of stiff foam. These types of insulating boards have a high R-value, are resistant to moisture and easy to install in the area surrounding your refrigerator. The R-value is a rating for the insulation's efficiency. The higher the R-value, the more effective the product will be in reducing indoor heat loss. Some types of foam insulation boards have a facing that acts as a vapor barrier, which also reduces moisture damage.

Solutions

• You can add insulation to your refrigerator and other appliances yourself. Adding extra insulation is especially important if your refrigerator is beside your dishwasher. According to the California Energy Commission, the heat and moisture produced by a dishwasher can make your refrigerator work harder to keep food cold. Placing rigid foam insulation panels between your refrigerator and dishwasher will keep reduce these effects.

Considerations

• There are other areas in your home where insulation can help reduce your energy costs. Insulation jackets on your hot water heater will keep this appliance as energy efficient as possible. This is especially important if your hot water heater is in an uninsulated area of your home. If you choose to replace your old refrigerator, select an Energy Star-rated product with improved insulation and compressors. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, making the switch to an Energy Star-rated refrigerator can slash as much as $100 from your energy bill annually.