Fridges & freezers

Fridges and freezers come in all shapes and sizes these days - and plenty of homes have more than one. The trick is making sure yours isn’t quietly chewing through power behind your back. Here are some easy wins to keep your food fresh and your costs low.

Fridge and freezer energy-saving tips 💡

  • Set the right temps - Fridge: 3–4°C and Freezer: –15 to –18°C. These sweet spots keep your food safe and your energy use steady
  • Keep them out of the sun - Fridges hate heat. Give yours a shady spot so it doesn’t have to work overtime
  • Let them breathe - Make sure there’s a bit of space around your fridge and freezer so warm air can escape from the condenser
  • Keep the doors shut - Cold air escapes fast. Open and close with purpose. Bonus tip: a fuller fridge stays cooler and uses less energy to recover… just don’t cram it to the brim
  • Use temperature zones - If your fridge has different temp settings for different compartments, use them. It helps everything run more efficiently
  • Defrost if needed - If your freezer isn’t frost free, a regular defrost keeps it humming along nicely
  • Leave breathing room - A well stocked fridge is great, but leave around 20% empty space so air can circulate. And let hot food cool before popping it in
  • Switch off the spare - If you only need your second fridge or freezer occasionally, switch it off and leave the door ajar to avoid mould
  • Check your seals - Loose or cracked door seals leak cold air. A quick clean or replacement can save big on running costs
  • Upgrade wisely - Older fridges and freezers can cost hundreds more each year to run. When it’s time to replace yours, look for a high Energy Star rating - more stars, more savings
  • Use the Energy Rating Label - These labels make comparing models simple, showing annual energy use at a glance.
Refrigerator calculator

About star ratings

The Energy Rating Labelling Scheme helps you compare appliance efficiency and running costs before you buy.

More stars = lower energy use = lower bills.

For more information on energy labelling visit the Energy Rating web page. Here you’ll also find a handy Energy Rating calculator where you can compare the consumption and running costs of various appliances by brand, star rating or energy consumption.

Types of fridges & freezers

Choosing a new fridge or freezer? Here’s a quick guide to what’s out there.

Just make sure whatever you pick suits your space and your household size.

Top mount fridge/freezers

  • Classic fridge below, freezer on top.
  • Usually cheaper to buy
  • Generally more energy‑efficient
  • Freezer stays cooler because it’s further from the compressor.

Bottom mount fridge/freezers

Fridge on top, freezer below.

  • Easier access to your everyday items
  • Usually less energy efficient because the freezer sits closer to the warm compressor.

French door fridge/freezers

Wide shelves, big space, lots of convenience.

  • Great for families
  • Typically less energy‑efficient than top‑ or bottom‑mount models.

Side by side fridge/freezers

Tall fridge and freezer next to each other.

  • Often include ice and water dispensers
  • Dispensers use extra energy
  • Freezer sections can be narrow.

Pigeon pair fridge and freezer

A separate full‑size fridge and full‑size freezer.

  • Very efficient as separate units
  • Lots of space needed
  • You can place them together or apart.

Upright freezers

Tall, cabinet‑style freezers with shelves or drawers.

  • Easy to organise
  • Most are frost‑free (more convenient but less energy‑efficient).

Chest freezers

Deep tubs that open from the top.

  • Very energy‑efficient
  • Usually cheaper to buy
  • Cold air doesn’t escape when opened
  • Harder to organise and usually require manual defrosting.