Most households use their refrigerator every single day, yet very few people truly understand how its internal controls work.
Hidden inside almost every fridge is a small dial or button that looks simple — but when used correctly, it can significantly reduce electricity consumption.
For years, many people have been setting this little control incorrectly without realizing that the wrong setting forces the fridge to work harder, consume more energy, and shorten its lifespan.
Here is the real explanation behind the “mysterious button” in your refrigerator and how using it properly can save money on your electricity bill.
1. The number dial is not a “coolness level” — it controls how long the compressor runs
Most people believe the numbers on the temperature dial represent how cold the fridge becomes.
They assume that 1 means colder and 7 means warmer — but in reality, it’s the opposite on most models.
Higher numbers usually make the fridge colder, not warmer.
The numbers represent how long the compressor stays on during each cycle.
So when the dial is turned to 7 (max), the compressor works for longer periods, using more electricity and cooling the fridge far beyond what is needed for food safety.
Running at the highest setting wastes a significant amount of energy every single day.
