Fridges and freezers are switched on 24 hours a day 7 days a week so running costs are high. All new fridges and freezers carry an EU energy efficiency rating from A++ (the most efficient) to G (the least efficient). The vast majority of products are at least A rated. However for refrigeration products the rating is not based on actual energy consumption but the energy efficiency in relation to size (the internal volume of the compartments).
Size matters!
The bigger the fridge/freezer, the more it will cost to run. The table below shows the annual running costs of three ‘A’ rated fridge freezers of different sizes.
| Fridge/freezer size | Annual energy consumption | Energy Rating | Annual running costs |
| 8.2 Cubic feet | 292 kWh/year | A | £ 42 |
| 13.5 Cubic feet | 409 kWh/year | A | £ 59 |
| 22 Cubic feet | 524 kWh/year | A | £ 76 |
As you see, the energy consumption and running costs vary significantly, even though they all have the same ‘A’ rating.
Tips for buying a new fridge freezer
- Select the smallest product that will meet your household needs.
- Additional features such as ice makers increase energy consumption.
- Cyclic defrost fridges are more economical than frost free.
- Side-by-side refrigerator/freezers use more energy than similarly sized models with the freezer on top.
To compare energy consumption across different sizes and types look for the kWh/year figure on the energy label. The bigger this figure the more it will cost to run. If you want to work out the annual running costs of different fridge freezers then simply locate the ‘Kwh/year figure on the energy label and type it into Calculator 2 in the left column and it will tell you how much it will cost based on current average energy prices.
Energy saving tips for fridge freeezer...
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So where is Calculator 2 - Because it is not on this page, can you pleas update.