How to reduce your fridge's electricity usage in summer

Perhaps one of the main reasons a fridge consumes more electricity in summer is that we open it more often for cool drinks and snacks to beat the heat. When we do, warm air gets in, forcing the appliance to work harder to regulate its internal temperature.

Fridges remove heat from the inside using a compressor and a refrigerant gas. This system activates whenever the internal temperature rises above its set level. In summer, because the ambient temperature is higher, the fridge's interior warms up more quickly each time it's opened. This means the compressor has to kick in more often and run for longer, resulting in higher energy consumption.

But your fridge's electricity usage also shoots up due to other factors, including the appliance's general operation, its type and efficiency rating, and where it's located in your home.

Tips to make your fridge consume less electricity

There are many tips, tricks, and good habits you can adopt to reduce your fridge's consumption during the summer months. We’ve listed the most effective ones for you to put into practice:

• Find the right spot: A cool, well-ventilated place away from heat sources like the oven is the best location for your fridge. Avoid placing it in direct sunlight. It's also important to leave enough space (about 10 cm) between the back of the fridge and the wall to allow air to circulate properly.

• Check the door seal: If the door doesn't seem to close properly, the rubber seal might be damaged, allowing warm air to leak in. If the seal is worn out, replace it as soon as possible. General maintenance and timely repairs are essential.

• Don't put hot food in: It's always better to let food cool down before storing it in the fridge. Waiting a while before putting leftovers away will prevent the internal temperature from rising. Storing hot dishes also puts extra strain on the compressor, as it has to work harder to cool everything down.

• Only open the door when you need to: Try to open the fridge only when necessary and don't spend too long deciding what to take out or put in. Every time you open the door, warm air enters and the temperature inside rises. Keeping the inside organised, with labelled containers, will help you find things quickly, minimising the escape of cold air and maintaining a more stable temperature.

• Clean the condenser coils: The condenser coils are located at the back of the fridge, and their job is to dissipate the heat extracted from the inside. The system is less efficient if the coils are covered in dust or dirt, so it's important to clean them with a brush or vacuum cleaner at least twice a year. Cleaning the door seals will also ensure your fridge runs efficiently.

• Defrost it regularly: If you have a fridge that isn't a 'no-frost' model, ice build-up can compromise its efficiency. Prevent layers of ice or frost from forming by defrosting it periodically. Frost build-up can increase energy consumption by up to 30%.

• Set the right temperature: The ideal temperature is between 4°C and 6°C for the fridge and -18°C for the freezer. Making it colder doesn't necessarily mean it will preserve food better, but it will certainly increase your bill. Setting the temperature correctly ensures food stays fresh without the appliance working overtime.

• Fill your fridge wisely: A well-stocked fridge is more efficient at maintaining its internal temperature than an empty one. Cold air needs to circulate easily between items for better preservation. However, if it's too full and there's no space between items, air can't flow properly and the fridge loses efficiency.

Tools to monitor your electricity consumption

Besides changing your habits and learning how to set up your fridge correctly, you can also use tools to help you improve your appliance's performance, such as:

Smart plugs

Some smart plugs include a consumption meter, allowing you to monitor in real time how much electricity your fridge is using. They are useful for detecting spikes in consumption and checking if the appliance is working correctly.

Fridge and freezer thermometers

Having a digital thermometer inside your fridge allows you to check if the temperature is within the ideal range and adjust it if necessary. The built-in thermostat is a good tool for changing the temperature based on the weather outside and the amount of food you have inside.

Energy monitoring apps

To complement thermostats, there are apps that allow you to track your fridge's daily consumption and detect any irregular or unexpected increases in demand early on.

Which types of fridge consume more electricity?

There is a wide variety of fridges on the market, with modern designs, low-consumption models, and some that are more 'eco-friendly' than others. Not all of them need the same amount of electricity to do their job perfectly. Power consumption depends on several factors, most notably the year of manufacture, energy efficiency rating, model, and its technology.

Energy efficiency: how much electricity a fridge uses

Fridges are classified by their energy efficiency, indicated on labels like A+++, A++, A+, etc. Appliances with an A+++ rating are the most efficient and consume the least electricity, so the most sensible recommendation is to invest in a refrigerator with a high energy rating.

Although they tend to be more expensive than models with A++, A+, A, or lower ratings, they represent a saving in the medium term. A fridge with a lower rating like E, F, or G can consume up to twice as much energy as one with an A or B rating. Here's an approximate annual consumption for a fridge based on its classification:

A+++: 175 kWh (€22.75/year)

A++: 284 kWh (€36.92/year)

A+: 322 kWh (€41.86/year)

A: 374 kWh (€48.62/year)

B: 507 kWh (€65.91/year)

C: 646 kWh (€83.98/year)