Saving tips: fridge
One of the very biggest energy consumers in the home is the fridge. Admittedly, the fridge does not use much energy per hour, but it is on day and night. Our food has to be cooled 24 hours a day, seven days a week and every day of the year, and that adds up considerably. By using the right fridge in the right way, a lot can be saved on energy consumption.
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01Saving by choosing the right fridge
A modern fridge involves about 35 euros in electricity costs per year. Fridges from more than seven years ago can use up to 80 euros a year. A good, modern fridge is therefore an absolute must.
There are different types of fridges on the market. These can of course vary enormously in price. The energy label A is the most economical choice; a fridge with energy label G is the least energy-efficient choice. Comparing fridges will pay off in any case.
Average consumption of old and modern fridges
Replacing an old fridge is worth considering. A fridge about 25 years old easily uses 500 kWh of electricity per year. For a fridge about 8 years old, it is about 350 kWh per year. With the latest generation of fridges, energy consumption drops to less than 100 kWh per year. The Nifiche NFKK701, an energy-efficient fridge with an energy consumption of 62 kWh per year, costs about 13,64 euros a year in energy. With a fridge eight years old, the bill rises to 77 euros per year. With a fridge from the previous millennium, it is even 110 euros per year. In other words, the investment is paid back after just a few years.
Comparing fridges and saving
When comparing, always look at the electricity consumption as well. Perhaps we are stating the obvious, but we strongly advise against a real American fridge. They are often very large and can run up quite a bill. The purchase is expensive and moreover they use up to 40 percent more electricity than a normal fridge-freezer. The many extra options that American fridges offer are often not needed at all.
More saving tips
On other household appliances too, a lot of energy and money can be saved. Think of your freezer, oven of the washing machine. If you use every appliance in an energy-conscious way, you save many tens of euros a year.
02Frequently asked questions about fridges
The fridge is an energy consumer that we all have at home. And a good thing too, because thanks to the fridge food stays fresh and less ends up on the rubbish heap. There are various things you can do to save energy with the fridge. You can read more about that in this FAQ about fridges.
When buying a new fridge, the old fridge can simply be handed in at the shop. In addition, the fridge can always be handed in at the municipal recycling centre. Finally, there are also small companies that will come and collect the old fridge for free.
Who will collect my old fridge?
A fridge that is level functions optimally and uses less energy. Remove the grille in front of the fridge feet and adjust the fridge feet so they are level, and you save extra once again.
Why does my fridge need to be level?
At this temperature, harmful bacteria can barely grow and food keeps longer. Throwing away less food also results in an energy saving, good for the environment and your wallet.
Why should a fridge be set to 4 degrees?
Yes, such fridges are often found in shops or in the hospitality industry. They are also sometimes called display fridges. These fridges also help save energy because the glass door is opened for less time. The disadvantage, of course, is that the contents, including not very elegant leftovers, are visible. That is why it is mainly used for, for example, wine fridges, where the contents are precisely meant to be shown off.
Is there also a fridge with a glass door?
No, the fridge would actually heat up the room. A fridge works on the basis of a compressor that extracts the heat from the air in the fridge and blows that air out. With an open door, the fridge will extract the heat from the room and blow it away again via the compressor. Because the compressor itself uses energy and generates heat, the room will only warm up further. If you want to cool your living room or bedroom, you really do need an air conditioner.
Can I use a fridge as an air conditioner?
The return premium for fridges was announced by the cabinet as part of the Urgenda package, which is to result in CO2 savings. It encourages consumers to replace an old fridge with a new appliance. When they do so, they receive a premium of 35 euros.
What is the return premium for fridges?
Saving on your fridge's energy consumption? ➜ 10 Tips!
With these tips you lower your fridge's energy consumption. ➜ Save tens of euros a year on the energy bill!
Work out the monthly amount with your usage and feed-in.