Why does my Energy Star refrigerator use more electricity than my old one?
Your new Energy Star fridge may use more power because it's larger, has more features like ice makers, or runs more often…
See the fixFix Library
Energy Efficiency
Practical, step-by-step fixes for energy efficiency problems — 50 published so far.
Why does my ENERGY STAR refrigerator use more electricity than the yellow label estimates?
Your ENERGY STAR fridge likely exceeds its label estimate because real-world usage — frequent door openings, warm room temperature, overstuffed shelves, or…
See the fix
Why does my energy-efficient appliance still use a lot of power?
Your energy-efficient appliance still uses a lot of power because efficiency ratings measure average use, not peak draw, and things like old…
See the fix
Why does my heat pump run auxiliary heat when it's not that cold outside?
Your heat pump uses auxiliary heat when the outdoor temperature drops below its balance point or when the thermostat calls for rapid…
See the fix
Why does my heat pump run constantly even when it's not that cold outside?
Your heat pump runs constantly because it's struggling to meet the thermostat setpoint — common causes include a dirty outdoor coil, low…
See the fix
why does my heat pump run nonstop even when it's not that cold outside
Your heat pump runs constantly because the outdoor temperature is near its balance point, the thermostat is set too high, the air…
See the fixWhy does my heat pump run nonstop when it's only 50°F outside?
Your heat pump runs constantly because it struggles to pull enough heat from cool outdoor air, so it switches to backup electric…
See the fix
Why does my house feel drafty even when all windows and doors are shut?
Your house feels drafty because air leaks exist around window frames, door frames, electrical outlets, and attic hatches even when everything is…
See the fix
Why does my house feel drafty even with all the windows and doors closed?
Drafts usually come from hidden air leaks — gaps around baseboards, electrical outlets, attic hatches, fireplace dampers, and spots where pipes or…
See the fix
Why does my new ENERGY STAR refrigerator run constantly?
Your ENERGY STAR fridge may run constantly because the temperature is set too low, condenser coils are dirty, door seals are leaking,…
See the fix
Why does my smart thermostat not save energy as advertised?
Your smart thermostat may not save energy because it's poorly programmed, placed in a bad location, or your HVAC system has underlying…
See the fix
why is cold air coming in around my windows even when they're closed
Cold air enters around closed windows because of worn weatherstripping, cracked caulk, or gaps in the frame. Seal these leaks with new…
See the fix