FRIDGES AND FREEZERS
Fridges run all day every day and make up around 18% of your energy bill. Depending on the age and size this could be costing you significant money each year. However there are simple things you can do to reduce this cost. Getting rid of your second fridge is an easy way to save considerable money and energy.
KEEPING A SECOND FRIDGE
Keeping a second fridge is likely to be costing you a significant amount on your energy bill. If you decide to keep an old fridge for use as a second fridge, even if it is inefficient, then consider only switching it on when you absolutely need to – for example for Christmas or a family function.
Don’t worry too much about opening the door of the fridge as this is unlikely to use a lot of energy. Just try not to leave the door open for extended periods of time.
Storing foods at 3° to 5°C is recommended for fridges and -15° to -18°C for freezers.
You can use a thermometer to help with this.
Consider the NSW Food Authority Guidelines for safely storing food in the fridge and freezer: www.foodauthority.nsw.gov.au
OLD FRIDGES
A typical fridge manufactured today uses about a third of the energy of a fridge made 15 years ago. Old fridges are very inefficient and could be costing you a significant amount of money in your energy bill.
If you have an old fridge at home it is likely to be very inefficient by today’s standards. It may be worth replacing due to the high running costs.
even offer to take the old one away for you.
There’s also ‘Fridge Buyback’, an energy savings program that may actually pay you to give up your old second fridge or upright freezer. www.fridgebuyback.com.au
- Make sure that it is located where the ambient temperature is not too high, and that it is well ventilated so that it operates at maximum efficiency.
- Ensure that there is at least 75mm of air space around every side of the fridge
- If you have a fridge with an exposed ‘coil’ on the back (usually a thin black pipe in a zigzag shape) make sure that it is not covered in dust or cobwebs.
- Make sure the door seals are intact. Replace them if they become worn or damaged.
Only buy the size of fridge that you need, and try to buy the one with the lowest kWh rating in that size range.