Size matters
Bear in mind that two differently sized fridges can have the same energy rating, but the smaller model will use less energy and cost less to run. Make sure the size is right for your needs and the interior suits your normal shop. Otherwise you will be 'fuelling' empty space.
Location, location...
For maximum energy efficiency it is important not to place your fridge or freezer next to the oven, radiator or in direct sunlight. Neither should it be somewhere too cold like the garage. Look in the user's guide for the 'climate class' which gives you the range of temperatures within which it is designed to work most efficiently.
The art of packing
A well-stocked fridge will work more effectively. Ideally it should be no more than three quarters full, that way cool air circulates more easily. For optimum results in your freezer you will need plenty of ventilation space at the back and top.
Keep it clean and frost free
Remember to regularly clean the door seals as dirt or food particles will stop them from closing properly, preventing best performance. Also clean the condenser coils at the back of the fridge — if dust builds up it can waste up to 30% more energy. Keep in mind that the more ice in your freezer the more energy used, so get into the habit of defrosting regularly.
Holiday time
Take the opportunity to save money and energy while you are on holiday. If you go away for more than a fortnight, clear your fridge and turn it off. Make sure you leave the door ajar to prevent mould forming. Some fridge freezers have twin compressor technology meaning they can operate independently of one another, so you can turn the fridge off when you are away but leave the freezer on.
For further information on storing food
www.eatwell.gov.uk/keepingfoodsafe/storing/
Cool intelligence - helpful features
Current fridge technology offers sophisticated features that optimise eco-efficiency. See below how to use these new controls to reduce waste and save money.
Click here to download fridge features
EU Labels
Fridges, like all other appliances, carry EU labels which rate their energy consumption. However fridges carry even higher energy efficiency ratings that go beyond the normal A to G labelling system.
A+ & A++ fridges and freezers
The ratings now go up to A+ and even A++, on refrigeration products. These use the least electricity and are the cheapest to run. Compared with an old appliance, the energy savings on A+ and A++ products can be worth at least £40 a year and in some cases considerably more.
Other cool information
The label states the typical energy kWh (kilowatt hour) per year under standard conditions. By multiplying this by 13.95p (the average unit price for electricity at the end of August 2008) you can work out the annual running cost. This is an estimate. Fluctuating electricity prices, how you use and where you locate your fridge, may alter your actual savings. Refrigeration labels also give you storage capacity and the star system tells you what food you can freeze and how long it will last. Where noise levels are rated, the lower the number the less noise the product emits.
30 year old fridge freezer vs. A++ model
In May 2009 we conducted an in-home case study. Sue and Ken Arthur from Cheltenham let AMDEA into their family home to measure the electricity consumption of their 30 year old fridge freezer for 3 weeks. This was then replaced by a new A++ rated model of an equivalent size and its electricity spend was monitored for the same period under similar usage conditions. The dramatic results revealed that replacing an old fridge with an ultra efficient model can save as much as 80% energy; £137 a year in electricity; and recoup the cost of the new appliance in just 3 years.
30 year old fridge freezer vs. A++ model
Findings:
- 80% energy saved
- 23.26 kWh vs 4.3 KWh per week
- £137 saved in electricity a year
- 3 years to recoup cost of new model
- 529 kg of CO2 saved a year
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Sue Arthur checking energy monitoring device. |
Sue Arthur and new A++ rated fridge which is 80% more efficient than her 30-year old model. |
Click here to see how much you could save.
