Energy Saving Tips for your Fridge Freezer

Because your fridge freezer is constantly running, it is the hardest working appliance in your home. As such, it accounts for a large portion of your household bills. That's why it's important to make sure your refrigerator is as energy-efficient as possible, which we'll show you how to do in this article.

Watch our YouTube video or read the article below to discover our fridge freezer energy-saving tips for yourself.

First things first, you should make sure your fridge freezer is stored in a cool dry room with sufficient ventilation. You should also make sure it is not in any direct sunlight, nor next to a heat source such as a radiator or oven. This is because your appliance has to work harder to stay cool if it is in an overly warm environment, which will both use more energy and shorten the life of your fridge freezer.

Make sure there is plenty of space at the sides, back and top of your fridge freezer. This includes leaving space for the air exhaust at the fridge freezer's base and the back wall of the appliance too. Also, make sure that no air vents are blocked and that they can vent sufficiently.

If the gaps around these areas of your fridge are too tight, your fridge freezer's compressor won't be able to release heat properly. Again, this will cause your fridge freezer to have to work extra hard to stay cool, resulting in higher-than-necessary energy usage.

If the back of your fridge isn't cleaned regularly, the build-up of dust and debris will increase your fridge freezer's energy use and put it at risk of faults. Because of this, you should keep the back of your fridge freezer clean.

Make sure you keep the condenser coils at the back and the underside of your fridge freezer free of dust. You can do this by using either a vacuum cleaner or a dry brush to clean them.

You can also save energy by making sure your fridge and freezer are set to the correct temperatures. For the greatest energy efficiency, set your fridge to 5 degrees Celsius and your freezer to -18 degrees Celsius. If your fridge doesn't provide degree readings, setting it to the mid-point of the temperature dial is usually the most optimal choice. You can also purchase a fridge thermometer which will help you keep on top of the temperature.

If your fridge or freezer door seal is damaged in any way, it will allow air to escape. This will cause your fridge freezer to work harder to keep cool. If your door seal is showing signs of damage or wear and tear, you can get your hands on a replacement from our online shop.

A good way to check if your door seal is working properly is by placing a sheet of paper or a £5 note between the door seal and the fridge freezer. If the paper drops down or moves, it will mean the door seal isn't working properly and you will need a replacement.

If you find that you need to replace your door seal, you can watch our video guide on how to do so here:

Leaving the doors of your fridge or freezer open for prolonged periods of time is another cause of unnecessary energy output. By making sure you keep the doors of your appliance shut whenever they don't need to be open, you can reduce its energy use and save money on your energy bill.

If frost builds up inside your freezer, it can cause the appliance to use more energy by needing to work harder. It can also make it harder for your appliance to maintain its temperature. Because of this, you should remove all of the items from your freezer and defrost it every six months - or whenever you notice a frost build-up. For excessive ice build-up, you can use a de-icer spray or ice scraper to help you.

You should make sure that any cooked or leftover food has fully cooled down before you store it in your fridge or freezer. This is because warm food will heat up your appliance, making it work harder to maintain the correct temperature.

Finally, if your fridge freezer is on its last legs and cannot be repaired, it's wise to choose a replacement with a good energy efficiency rating. This may cost a bit more, but it'll be more than worth it for the amount of money you'll save on your energy bill in the long run.

And there you have it! By following these steps, you can keep your fridge freezer energy efficient and your energy bill low.

While you're here, why not learn how to keep your fridge fresh as well as energy efficient? Head over to our article on how to fix a smelly fridge to keep your appliance free from unpleasant odours.

Finally, you can keep up to date with great deals on spare parts and accessories for your fridge freezer, don't forget to sign up to our mailing list below.