Instead of operating a refrigerator during the cold months is there a way to harness the cold outside air to keep the food cold?

Eric: The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) says that every appliance has two price tags: a purchasing price and an operating cost. In any home, the refrigerator is typically the largest consumer of electricity. The idea of using the cold air outside makes so much sense; one has to ask why it is not done.

Well, actually, it was done for centuries in the form of root cellars. Root cellars are nature's way of storing fruits and vegetables, acting as ideal storage areas for anything you wish to keep cool. Typically used for vegetables (roots like potatoes), but also for meat, milk and fruit.

Although root cellars do not get as cold as a refrigerator during summer months, root cellars generally are 30 to 40 degrees F cooler from daytime summer temperatures. Similar to the principles of a wine cellar, the mass of the earth maintains a cooler temperature below ground. An insulated door covers a 6' by 10' hole in the ground, with stairs down to the storage.

It is also worth noting the wonderfully energy efficient units from SunFrost. Sun Frost makes the world's most energy efficient domestic refrigerators and freezers. The efficiency of their refrigerators make them ideal for use with solar power, or anywhere you are generating your own power.

If the SunFrost seems out of your range, at least consider an Energy Star-rated appliance to save as much energy as possible. A new refrigerator with an EnergyStar label will save between $35 and $70 a year.

The reason refrigerators are such energy hogs is mostly due to inefficiency. Look at this great article listing numerous ways to reduce your existing fridge's energy use. Here is a sampling of some good practices:

Operation Practices:
 

• Minimize frequency/duration of open door
   
• Check the door gasket
   
• Don't overload the refrigerator
   
• Correctly set the dial thermostat
   
• Re-examine refrigerator's contents weekly
   
• Evaluate the refrigerator's size

• Maintain clearance around refrigerator
   
• Design alcoves properly
   
• Consider alternative refrigerator sites

• Trade in frost-free units
   
• Insulate the refrigerator
   
• Re-locate the HDC (heat-dissipating coils)
   
• Build a hybrid refrigerator/water heater
   
• Use a horizontal refrigerator