English Living
Interiors
Clever New Online Calculator Reveals the Exact Amount Your Freezer Costs to Run
Fridges and freezers are two of the main consumers of energy in the average home – accounting for around 13% of the annual bill. But a new, simple online resource can help people calculate their cost and significantly reduce it.
As we approach winter and inevitable increase in energy use, all changes we can make to reduce the total household bill should be welcomed. The innovative calculator on the Freeze It website calculates the price of the electricity any chest or fridge freezer is using daily and annually. Factors considered include energy rating, product type, size and the amount a household’s electricity provider charges per KWh.
A medium-sized upright freezer might cost more than £130 a year to run [THIS IS FIGURE COMES FROM THE CALCULATOR AND IS BASED ON A D-RATED FREEZER AT 41P PER KWH], so the Freeze It feature also provides insightful advice on how to reduce bills. This can be anything from regularly checking door seals and filling empty space with containers full of ice to making sure any heat sources are well away from the freezer.
“Following our simple tips to reduce energy use is also a fantastic way for people to do their bit to tackle global warming.”
How to Reduce the Running Costs of Your Fridge Freezer
If you’ve used the freezer running cost calculator above, then you might be pleasantly surprised (if you’re lucky). If not, then make sure you’re following these tips to keep your costs in check:
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Set the Right Temperature
Ensure your fridge is set between 1°C and 4°C and your freezer is set to -18°C. This optimal temperature range ensures efficient operation without overcooling. -
Regular Maintenance
Clean the coils at the back of your fridge freezer every six months. Dust and grime can make the appliance work harder, consuming more energy.
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Check Door Seals
Ensure the door seals are airtight. If they’re not sealing properly, cold air escapes, making the appliance work harder. -
Let Food Cool Before Storing
Allow hot leftovers to cool to room temperature before placing them in the fridge. This prevents the appliance from using extra energy to cool them down. -
Defrost Regularly
Ice build-up can hinder the efficiency of your freezer. Regularly defrosting ensures it runs optimally.
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Keep It Full, But Not Overpacked
A full fridge retains cold better than an empty one. However, ensure there’s enough space for air to circulate.
How to Reduce the Running Costs of Your Chest Freezer
If you have a chest freezer, there are a few different things you can do to cut those costs a little:
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Organize and Rotate Items
Keeping your freezer organized ensures you can quickly find items, reducing the time the lid is open and conserving energy.
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Fill Empty Space with Ice
If your chest freezer isn’t full, consider filling jugs or containers with water and freezing them. The ice helps maintain the cold, reducing the energy needed. -
Regularly Check the Temperature
Ensure your chest freezer operates at its optimal temperature of -18°C. A freezer that’s too cold uses unnecessary energy. -
Position Away from Heat Sources
Place your chest freezer away from ovens, heaters, and direct sunlight. This ensures it doesn’t have to work extra hard to maintain its temperature.
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Defrost When Ice Builds Up
Just like with fridge freezers, ice build-up can reduce efficiency. Regularly defrost your chest freezer to keep it running optimally. -
Ensure the Lid Seals Tightly
Check the seal on the lid of your chest freezer. If it’s not airtight, consider replacing it to prevent cold air from escaping.
The online calculator is the latest addition to a website that provides cooks with a huge amount of accessible information on which foods can be frozen and how to do it. Founded by Lewis Crutch during the first COVID-19 lockdown, Freeze It now covers more than 1,000 different ingredients and recipes, from everyday bread, cheese and fruit to lobster bisque and edible flowers.
“Every penny counts in our household budgets, at the moment, so knowing exactly how much one of our main kitchen appliances is costing and how to cut this amount is essential,” says Lewis. “Following our simple tips to reduce energy use is also a fantastic way for people to do their bit to tackle global warming.”
You can find the calculator and energy-saving tips at freezeit.co.uk/freezer-running-cost-calculator/ .
