More than 95% of households have a refrigerator. But these devices are often misused, leading to the degradation of foodstuffs but also many wastes in energy: cold equipment accounts for more than 30% of the specific electricity consumption of a household according to the ADEME. Responsible choice and appropriate behaviors can make your refrigerator more economical and your food better preserved and healthier.
Much progress has been made over the last decades on refrigeration appliances, in particular thanks to the energy label, which informs about their energy consumption and encourages manufacturers to improve.
Choosing and Using Your Fridge Well: Good Resolutions to Save Energy
There are still significant margins of progress and it is advisable to be well informed before choosing fridges and freezers, which remain lit 24/24 for fifteen years and still represent a significant part of our electricity bill (18% on average, excluding heating and hot water).
There are also good habits to adopt to prevent the performance of the devices from deteriorating over time. Topton Guide helps you to see more clearly.
Beware: Dunces Are Rated A +!
The energy label on refrigerators and freezers has not been updated for a long time, and now A + rated appliances are the worst on the market … So do not think make a good choice with an A + and do not let try out the promotions that may exist for this energy class: you will actually make the worst choice.
The really powerful models are class A +++. Such a device will consume half as much electricity as an A +, let it be said. You can easily find the list of the most powerful devices on the market on the Topton Guide.
The consumption of a cold appliance also depends on its size. Stop the American type fringes if you do not need it. Otherwise hello salty bills at the end of the month.
Here Are Some Things To Help You Choose The Right Volume For Your Refrigerator:
The number of people: count about 100 liters for one person to whom you add 50 to 60 liters per additional person,
The number of meals taken at home per week,
The filling rate of your device,
The volume of fresh produce and frozen products.
Pamper your devices
The refrigerators and freezers are likely: if they are not placed and maintained properly, their electricity consumption starts to skid.
Place them in a rather cool location and especially away from heat sources: stove, oven, radiator, sunlight, etc. For built-in units, it is essential that the space at the back is sufficient because the air must be able to circulate properly, plan at least 60 cm deep for installation. If you have any problem about fridges and freezers then you have better options to check best quality cheap fridge and freezers online.
Set the indoor thermostat to a reasonable level: 4 or 5 ° C in refrigerated compartments, -18 ° C for freezing. No need to adjust the temperature lower, you will consume electricity for nothing.
Over Time, The Performance Of Your Device Can Deteriorate Significantly:
Defrost the freezer compartments regularly, at least once a year, especially if frost has accumulated.
If you notice that the door seals are damaged or the door does not close properly, have it repaired or changed without delay. A badly insulated door can lead to excessive energy consumption.
Finally, some common sense advice on a daily basis can also eliminate unnecessary over-consumption:
Be careful not to leave the door of your appliance open too long.
Do not put hot food in the device.
Cover the cooked dishes and pack the food well, this reduces the risk of contamination and reduces the formation of frost and mist.
During long periods of absence, such as holidays, for example, empty the unit completely, cleans it, unplug it and leave the door open.