With almost 20 percent of the total power consumption of an average three-person household, refrigerators and freezers are among the biggest power guzzlers of all.
Especially old refrigerators that are more than ten years old can unintentionally increase the electricity bill. What was then given the energy class A as the most efficient label has now been overtaken by new devices with energy classes A+++, which only consume a fraction of the power requirements of an old device. Incidentally, a new energy label system for refrigerators has been in force since March 1, 2021, which classifies the power consumption of the devices using seven letters (A to G) and does not require the plus labels.
Against the background of financial and ecological aspects, an exchange can be worthwhile in the long term. You can find the test winners from Stiftung Warentest here.
But if you don't want to buy a new device, you can use a few clever tricks to significantly reduce power consumption.
Reducing refrigerator power consumption: You should pay attention to this
With a few simple tricks, you can reduce the power consumption of your refrigerator and save a few euros.
Image: Getty Images
Protect from the sun and heat: In order to reduce power consumption, it is better to move the refrigerator to a cool location. A high outside temperature or the proximity to the oven and stove means that you have to regulate the temperature of the refrigerator down. Therefore, draw the curtains or lower the blinds at least partially.
Regular defrosting: If a layer of ice forms on the back of your appliance, this can significantly affect the appliance's performance and lead to higher energy consumption. At best, defrost the refrigerator once or twice a year. It is best suited for sub-zero temperatures in winter.
Don't set the fridge too cold: The ideal temperature for food is seven degrees. However, many consumers have a temperature of 5 to 0 degrees in their devices. A difference of just two degrees can increase electricity consumption by around ten percent, explains the German Energy Agency.
Allow waste heat to be dissipated & clean the ventilation grille: The ventilation opening of the refrigerator should ideally be free and not blocked by a rear wall. This allows the waste heat to dissipate unhindered. You should also make sure that the ventilation grilles are free of dust to prevent heat build-up. Tip: We recommend cleaning the ventilation grilles twice a year.
Open doors only briefly: To ensure that cool air does not escape and warm air does not penetrate, you should only keep the refrigerator door open as long as is really necessary. An organization system is worthwhile so that the door is not open unnecessarily long. Clever storage boxes or a special storage method ensure that groceries can be found immediately.
Shop recommendation for fridge/freezer combinations
