Martin Lewis, the founder of Money Saving Expert, has shared some crucial advice on the correct temperature to set your fridge and freezer at.
The expert has previously said many people have them set too cold, which results in unnecessary power consumption and increased costs. Speaking on his ITVlast November, he focused on how to save money around the house, with a particular emphasis on fridges and freezers.
He advised: “Five degrees is the right temperature for a fridge, no colder. Minus 18 is the right temperature for a freezer.”
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The Energy Saving Trust, which describes fridges as one of the most ‘significant energy-using appliances in your kitchen’, has also provided several tips for saving money and energy. These include not putting hot or warm food directly into the fridge or freezer; allowing it to cool down thoroughly first.
This not only prevents damage to other food items but also reduces the amount of power required by the fridge to lower the internal temperature. Other tips include not leaving the fridge door open for longer than necessary, defrosting food in the fridge to help keep it cool, and ensuring the fridge is three-quarters full for optimal performance.
Overfilling should be avoided as it makes it harder for the fridge to circulate cold air. Regular defrosting of your fridge and freezer is also recommended to ensure they run efficiently.
Additionally, there should be at least a 10cm gap behind your fridge to allow hot air to dissipate more quickly.