When the weather gets hotter, our fridges naturally have to work harder to maintain a safe internal temperature. However, common habits such as leaving the door open frequently could be making your appliance work even harder than necessary, potentially increasing energy use and reducing efficiency.
Here, we share three common summer habits that could be making your fridge work harder – and what to do instead.
1. Leaving the fridge door open
Standing in front of the fridge deciding what to eat or drink might seem harmless – but opening the door for long periods of time allows warm air to enter. This means the appliance has to use more energy to bring the internal temperature back down, particularly when the room itself is warm.
'If you're hosting friends or family, take several drinks out at once rather than having everyone opening the fridge individually throughout the afternoon,' suggests Gordon Wallis, energy expert at Your NRG. 'If you're spending time in the garden, a cool box filled with ice can also help reduce how often the fridge door is opened.'
It's also a good idea to decide what you want before opening the door.
2. Packing the fridge too tightly
After a big supermarket shop, it can be tempting to squeeze as much as possible into the fridge. However, an overly full appliance can make it harder for cold air to circulate properly.
'If food is blocking the circulation of cold air, the appliance has to work harder to keep everything at the correct temperature,' explains Gordon.
Instead, leave enough space around food for air to move freely. This can help maintain a more consistent temperature throughout the fridge.
3. Putting hot food straight inside
Summer gatherings like barbecues and alfresco dinners often mean there are plenty of leftovers to store – but putting hot food directly into the fridge can cause its internal temperature to rise.
‘This raises the internal temperature, forcing the compressor to work harder to remove the extra heat,’ Gordon says.
Make sure to allow leftovers to cool appropriately before refrigerating them, all while still following food-safety guidance around how long cooked food should be left at room temperature.
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