People could be spending more than they need to because of an ‘avoidable’ issue
People could be spending too much on their electricity bills if they ignore an important task that should be done every year in kitchens across the UK, E.ON says. Freezers could quietly be guzzling more energy than necessary if they are full of excess ice.
Freezers are designed to keep things frozen, but appliances can occasionally go too far and start freezing everything around them. This build-up of ice forces the appliance to work harder and, therefore, burn through more electricity to keep food at a safe temperature.
Posting on its website, an E.ON spokesperson said: “If a thick layer of ice is building up in your freezer, it’s usually a sign that your appliance is struggling. This inefficiency can have a direct impact on your energy use and monthly bills.
“Frost acts as an insulator. It does this by creating a barrier between your freezer’s cooling elements and the food you’re trying to keep frozen. Because of this, your freezer’s compressor has to work extra hard for longer to keep a set temperature. This increased workload equals higher electricity use and higher energy bills.”
The energy provider suggests that ice build-up could be costing people up to £30 extra a year on their energy bills. Although this might seem minor when spread out over the year, pairing this up with other energy-saving methods could soon add up to significant savings.
How often should freezers be defrosted – and how to do it?
The general guideline for appliances is to do this job at least once a year. If people notice ice building up, there’s no harm in doing it earlier. E.ON listed a few red flag signs to watch out for that might mean it is time to flush out the freezer:
- Seeing visible ice on the interior walls, shelves, or drawers.
- Getting harder to close the freezer door properly.
- Less storage space inside, and it seems to be getting tighter.
- Food is getting excessive frost – even when it’s well packaged.
- The freezer is running almost constantly and/or making strange noises.
To properly defrost your freezer, empty all the food by using it up or by seeing if you can store it with a neighbour or family member. Then, get a few cheap tools ready to tackle the job, including paper towels, an old cloth, shallow bowls and a plastic ice scraper (avoid metal).
Switch off and unplug the freezer and leave the door open, then let the ice melt naturally. This is the safest method but also, the slowest (think, overnight). Remember to regularly replace towels and empty water bowls.
Once all ice has melted, wipe down the interior thoroughly with a mild detergent solution. Rinse with clean water, but make sure it dries completely, preventing re-frosting and mould growth.
Next, check the door seals for signs of damage, cracks, or dirt that could prevent a tight seal. Clean the doors with warm, soapy water in case anything is obstructing them.
Finally, plug your freezer back into the mains. Don’t start using it straight away, let it cool down to its optimal temperature first (around -18°C).
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