1. Check your condenser coils for dust and debris

The condenser coils that run along the back or underside of your fridge play an important role in removing heat from the system. Anything that impedes that process will cause your compressor to work harder and burn more power.

Coils often become dusty and vents can also become clogged. A brush and a vacuum is often all that is necessary to clear the coils and return your fridge to optimal working order.

Remember to turn off your appliance before cleaning the coils (which is best done when your fridge is empty).

2. Adjust the position of your fridge if necessary

Is your fridge placed in direct sunlight or near a source of heat (e.g., oven, radiator or business equipment)? This can slow down heat transfer from the condenser coils, causing your compressor to work for longer. You should also allow at least 5cm of space around the top and sides of your fridge.

3. Adjust the settings of your fridge if necessary

Could you increase the temperature of your fridge to save energy?

This will depend on exactly what you are storing. Some low risk products (e.g., canned drinks) can be safely refrigerated at a higher temperature than others. Make sure you read and follow all relevant health and safety guidelines before increasing your fridge's operating temperature.

Some fridges have a power saving feature which, when activated, will turn off the door heating circuit. This circuit is rarely needed in the UK, so this energy saving feature should normally be kept on.

4. Audit your fridge stocking processes

If your fridge is in regular use, you may be able to improve energy efficiency with some simple process adjustments.

For example, could you schedule your stocking up and emptying to minimise the number of times you and your staff open the fridge door? This could also help you to keep your fridge full which will improve efficiency by reducing the amount of air that needs cooling. Just make sure that you don't cram your fridge too full or block any vents because this will impede airflow.

Could you improve labeling and shelf organisation so that items are easier to find? This could reduce the time the door is left open per visit. Over a working day, this can add up to significant power savings.

5. Make sure food is at room temperature and in containers

Try to ensure most food is covered before going in the fridge, especially if it has a high water content. Glass containers are better than plastic ones, but any container will reduce the moisture content of the air and make it easier for your fridge to reach a stable low temperature.

Avoid putting hot food in the fridge. It is usually fine to cover food and allow it to cool to room temperature before refrigerating, but please check your food safety guidelines first.

6. Check your gaskets for dirt, damage or misalignment

A leaky fridge gasket (door seal) is a common culprit when it comes to inefficient refrigeration. Unless there is an airtight seal between the interior of your fridge and the outside, warm and humid air will seep inside. This places an extra burden on the compressor as your fridge works hard to remove the excess heat.

A basic method for checking your gasket is to slip a bank note between the door and fridge frame and see if it stays put. For a more thorough inspection, check the seal physically for signs of debris, grease, cracks or warping. We have provided guidance on cleaning gaskets elsewhere in the blog.

If you need to replace a cracked or worn gasket, you can start the process of identifying the type you need on our home page.