Common fridge mistake is adding £150 a year to your energy bills (Image: Getty)
Brits could be wasting hundreds of pounds every year on energy bills thanks to one common fridge mistake.
With energy costs still going through the roof, households up and down the country will be looking for ways to cut costs, and experts have warned that one overlooked habit could be silently adding £150 or more to your annual expenses.
According to , the main culprit in rising fridge-related energy cost is incorrect temperature settings and lack of maintenance.
The experts explain: “Many households unknowingly set their fridge and freezer temperatures too low, forcing the appliance to work harder than necessary.
“Others neglect simple maintenance steps, leading to higher energy consumption and a shortened appliance lifespan.”
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The ideal temperature for the fridge is 3–5°C, while the freezer should at -18°C (Image: Getty)
Your fridge should be set at 3–5°C, while the freezer should be set at -18°C. Setting your fridge colder than needed will cause the compressor to run longer, which uses up to 25% more energy, leading to higher energy bills.
Check the fridge temperature on the digital display. If it doesn’t have one, you can purchase a fridge thermometer for around £5-£10. These can also be used to check the freezer temperature.
Another factor that could be increasing the energy costs related to the fridge is lack of maintenance, which could be causing blocked or dirty condenser coils. Studies show that this can increase energy consumption by up to 30%.
These should be cleaned every six months by unplugging your fridge, locating the coils (usually at the back or on the bottom), and vacuuming away the dust.
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Check your fridge seal and replace this if needed (Image: Getty)
Many households could also be overloading or underloading the fridge. Overfilling your fridge blocks airflow, making it harder to cool evenly, while an almost empty fridge lacks thermal mass, causing the compressor to cycle more frequently.
The pros at SimplyEasy Refurbs recommend keeping your fridge around 70% full for optimal efficiency and ensuring that all liquids are stored in sealed containers to prevent excess moisture, which makes the compressor work harder.
If you’ve had your fridge for a number of years, it may be time to check the door seals, as they can become worn out over time. Once they become damaged, seals can let cold air escape, forcing the fridge to work harder.
Test the efficiency of your fridge’s door seals by closing the door on a piece of paper, and if it slides out easily, the seal needs replacing. A new seal will cost around £20-£40 but could ultimately save you more than £50 per year.