Chill Smarter: Energy-Saving Hacks for Your Fridge-Freezer
15/01/2025
Saving energy at home is more important than ever. With rising electricity costs in the UK, small changes to how you use everyday appliances can lead to big savings on your bills. Your fridge-freezer, an appliance that runs 24/7, is a great place to start.
This guide will show you how to optimise your fridge-freezer’s efficiency, from setting the perfect temperature to knowing when it’s time for an upgrade. By the end, you’ll know how to cut energy costs, reduce your carbon footprint, and keep your food fresher for longer.
Why Fridge-Freezer Efficiency Matters
Energy Costs in the UK
Did you know your fridge-freezer could account for up to 13% of your total electricity bill According to the Energy Saving Trust, (source) With UK energy prices averaging around 24.86p per kWh, as of 1st January 2025 (source), a poorly maintained fridge-freezer could easily drive costs higher. Optimising it not only saves money but also reduces wear and tear on the appliance itself.
Environmental Impact
A more efficient fridge-freezer doesn’t just benefit your wallet. Using less energy also means generating fewer carbon emissions – a crucial step towards reducing your household’s environmental impact. By following the tips in this guide, you’ll contribute to a more sustainable future while keeping your kitchen running smoothly.
Set the Your Fridge-Freezer At The Perfect Temperature
The right temperatures are key to preserving your food and saving energy.
- Fridge: Set it between 3-5°C. Lower than 3°C isn’t necessary, while higher than 5°C could spoil food faster.
- Freezer: Keep it at around -18°C. Any colder wastes energy without adding any real benefit.
Modern appliances often come with built-in thermostats, but for older models, consider using a thermometer to double-check the temperature.
Stocking Your Fridge-Freezer Correctly
Keep it Full (But Not Too Full)
A moderately stocked fridge-freezer is more energy efficient because the cold items inside help maintain the internal temperature, reducing the workload on the appliance. When your fridge is well-stocked but not overcrowded, it retains coolness more effectively, even when the door is opened. However, it’s important to avoid cramming too much inside, as overcrowding can block air vents and prevent proper air circulation. Proper airflow ensures that all areas of the fridge-freezer remain evenly cool, keeping your food fresh and preventing hotspots that could lead to spoilage. A little organisation goes a long way in maximising energy efficiency and prolonging the life of your appliance.
Tip for Air Circulation
Leave an inch of space between the walls of the fridge/freezer and its contents. Overloading these spaces traps warm air pockets, forcing the compressor to work harder (and costing you more energy).
Regular Defrosting & Cleaning
Defrost Older Models of Fridge-Freezer
Have an older fridge-freezer without an automatic defrost function? Ice build-up can seriously impact efficiency. A 5mm thick layer of frost could increase energy usage by 30% or more. Aim to defrost it every 6 months for optimal performance.
Clean Those Coils
Condenser coils (found at the back or bottom of your fridge-freezer) release heat, but dust and debris make it harder for them to function. Cleaning the coils every few months can reduce energy consumption by up to 10%. Use a vacuum or soft brush for best results.
Maintenance Tips & Door Seals
Test Your Fridge-Freezer Door Seals
The door seals (or gaskets) are essential for keeping cool air in and warm air out. Test their strength by slipping a piece of paper into the closed door. If it slides out easily, your seals might need cleaning or replacing.
Quick Inspections
Take 10 minutes every month to check for any unusual noises, leaks, or frost buildup. Addressing minor issues early prevents bigger problems – and higher bills – later on.
Placement is Key
Keep Away from Heat
Where you place your fridge-freezer matters. Avoid installing it near ovens, radiators, or direct sunlight. The extra heat forces the appliance to work overtime just to maintain its temperature.
Provide Ventilation
Leave at least 5cm of space between the fridge-freezer and the wall for proper ventilation. This allows heat to escape efficiently, using less energy in the long run.
Smart Food Handling
Cool Down Before Storing
Putting hot leftovers straight into your fridge can raise the whole fridge temperature which makes the compressor work harder to bring it back down to a safe level. This affects the energy efficiency of your fridge and can also warm up other items inside temporarily. To avoid this, let your food cool to room temperature first. But for food safety don’t let it sit out for more than 2 hours as this can breed bacteria. Once cooled, transfer your leftovers to airtight containers before refrigerating or freezing to keep freshness and prevent odours from spreading.
Be Mindful of Door Usage
Minimise the time the fridge/freezer door is open. Every second it’s open, cold air escapes, and the appliance burns more energy to restore its temperature. Pro-tip? Know what you want before opening the door.
When to Consider an Upgrading Your Fridge-Freezer
Energy-Efficient Models
If your fridge-freezer is over 10 years old, it might be time to upgrade. Newer models with high energy ratings like A+, A++, or A+++ use significantly less electricity. For example, a modern A+++ fridge-freezer can be up to 60% more efficient than a decade-old appliance. Ensure you read our article on top energy efficient kitchen appliances for 2025 to see the latest high scoring energy efficient Fridge Freezers.
Long-Term Savings
While high-efficiency models may cost more upfront, the savings on your electricity bill can quickly offset the extra expense. If you’re wondering where to find the best deals, sites like PricePop.com make it easy to compare prices on energy-efficient models across UK retailers.
Are Smart Fridge-Freezers Worth It?
Smart fridge-freezers can also help save money with features like optimized cooling settings to reduce energy usage, food inventory tracking to minimize waste, and alerts for maintenance issues to prevent costly repairs. Some models even offer energy-efficient modes during off-peak hours or integrate with smart home systems to further cut down on utility bills.
Take Control of Your Energy Usage
Optimising your fridge-freezer is one of the simplest ways to reduce energy costs at home. From setting the right temperature to upgrading to an energy-efficient model, these small steps can lead to significant savings over time.
If you’re ready to take the plunge and upgrade your appliance, be sure to visit PricePop.com. We’ll help you compare prices and find the best deals on budget fridge freezers, energy-efficient models, and more. Smarter choices today make for a more sustainable (and affordable!) tomorrow.
