14 February 2024 , 11:06
924
0
As cash-strapped Brits look to cut down on their energy usage wherever possible - Martin Lewis says it's worth starting with your fridge freezer.
The Money Saving Expert recently warned households across the nation could be spending more money than necessary on keeping their food chilled. This is because many people have their appliance set at the wrong temperature.
According to Uswitch, running a fridge freezer under the current energy price cap will set you back £5.63 per month, which works out at £67.56 a year. But, there are several things to reduce this cost without ending up with a pile of defrosted, soggy chips.
"Five degrees Celsius is the right temperature for a fridge, no colder," Martin Lewis, presenter of the eponymous ITV show, said. "Minus 18 degrees Celsius is the right temperature for a freezer." If you have your appliance set any colder than these recommended temperatures, you could be wasting energy and adding to your bill.
There are other ways to boost the efficiency of your fridge freezer, which Lewis says should always be three-quarters full. You can use bottles of water to fill anyt empty space without overloading it - and should regularly defrost the appliance to 'ensure optimal performance', Birmingham Live reports.
Martin Lewis issues 8-week warning to phone users ahead of huge price hikes
Want the latest money-saving news and top deals sent straight to your inbox? Sign up to our
Energy Saving Trust recommends letting hot/warm food cool down completely before popping it into the fridge/freezer to prevent temperatures rising, as well as defrosting food in the fridge. It says treating the appliance like an oven and only opening for the necessary time will also keep it cool and save energy. Cleaning the coils regularly can also boost efficiency by 25 per cent.
If you're looking to purchase a new fridge freezer, it may be worth investing in an energy efficent model. Energy Saving Trust says households can knock £15 off their yearly bills by using an A +++ rated fridge freezer opposed to an A+ rated one.