Refrigerators and freezers consume an immense amount of energy, so taking the necessary steps to make them run more efficiently could significantly lower electricity bills.
Energy saving tips for freezers – Keeping it full
Experts advise keeping a freezer at least 70% full in order for it to operate more efficiently, because cold food keeps each other cool while new items reach their proper temperatures much quicker than air alone can do. Fill empty plastic bottles with water or use ice cubes in freezer bags with freezer. Recycling old Styrofoam packing blocks is another great way to fill up your freezer quickly and efficiently.
Avoid overfilling your freezer; for the best experience and optimal performance it must allow easy food movement and air circulation. A freezer that is too full impedes this, blocking cold air from reaching food near its thermostat – paying to chill empty space rather than warming already frozen products is cheaper! Check your seals regularly. Replacement or tightening might be needed. Put a piece of paper where the door closes to test this. If it stays still then that indicates good seal performance!
Energy saving tips for freezers – Keeping it clean
As the main repository of your frozen dinners and leftovers, your freezer plays an essential role. To keep it working its best, it should be cleaned periodically throughout the year to prevent frost build-up, ice dam formation and staining from taking place.
To properly clean a freezer, first you’ll need to empty its contents entirely and store them in large coolers filled with ice for storage purposes. Next, conduct an inventory of what remains and discard any foodstuffs that don’t look appetizing or have suffered freezer burn.
Once your freezer is empty, wipe down its walls and shelves using hot soapy water, ideally using equal parts warm water and vinegar in a spray bottle as a deodorizing cleaning solution. Also remember to sanitize any removable shelving or drawers such as ice cube trays. Finally, be sure to inspect and clean its door gaskets on an annual basis for optimal results.
Energy saving tips for freezers – Keeping it warm
When the freezer door is opened, cold air escapes while warm air enters; most of the energy consumed by a freezer goes toward cooling this new air and keeping the freezer full helps reduce this waste as items help each other remain cool and there is less room for warmer air to enter.
Place the freezer in a cool area like your garage or on a flat, dry floor to maximize energy savings and avoid leaving it sitting idly for too long in a place like summer heat. Additionally, make sure that product specifications have not changed and avoid placing it directly under direct sunlight as this could negatively affect its performance.
Maintain an efficient freezer by filling any gaps with crumpled newspaper or biodegradable packing peanuts (biodegradable packing foam), which you can often pick up for free at train stations after commuting – this should significantly cut bills! Also consider cleaning the condenser coils twice annually.
Energy saving tips for freezers – Don’t Leave The Doors Open
Fridges and freezers account for a significant proportion of UK home energy bills, so it pays to take steps to lower them. When shopping for a new freezer, prioritise energy efficiency by choosing an ENERGY STAR model; or if you already own one there are plenty of ways you can make it more energy-efficient without incurring further expenses.
Every time you open the freezer door, cold air escapes while warm air enters – keeping them shut as much as possible is key to energy savings.
Organising food in your freezer requires prioritising what items are most often needed at the front. Doing this will save time spent opening and closing the door while simultaneously using less energy to locate specific items.
