Overview
- Refrigerators and freezers account for about one-fifth of a typical three-person home’s electricity use, making them a prime target for quick savings.
- Set the fridge to about 7 °C and the freezer to −18 °C, as each 2 °C colder can raise consumption by around 10% according to Germany’s energy agency.
- Defrost icy units once or twice a year, keep vents clear, place the appliance away from heat or sun, and make sure door seals close tight.
- Replace very old models because they waste power, with North Rhine-Westphalia’s consumer group advising a swap after about 15 years and the EU’s A–G label helping shoppers compare efficiency.
- Cut hidden loads by fully switching off chargers, routers, and other gear with a switchable power strip instead of leaving them in standby.