Fridges and freezers are on the go 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This means that they are constantly using a supply of electricity and can be quite greedy! Is there any way to ensure that they are using the minimum amount of electricity possible? 

Buying energy-efficient fridges in South Africa can help you to save on that dreaded electricity bill every month. But how do you know if your current fridge is energy efficient, and is there any way to calculate how much electricity you may use in a year? The answer to both these questions is in this article!

If you have been asking these questions, then keep reading. We will explain how to read the energy efficiency label on the side of your fridge. We will also give you some energy saving tips that will start you on your journey to a more sustainable household.

Understanding the Label 

Fridges and freezers sold in South Africa are required to have an energy efficiency label. This is wonderful, but do you understand the information that is given on the label? 

While it may look a bit daunting, it is quite simple to understand when you know what you are looking for:

• The coloured lines are the seven energy classes available in appliances 

• The black arrow with a letter inside shows the class of that appliance 

• The first block shows the annual energy consumption 

• The middle block is the food volume

• The last block indicates the possible noise made by this model 

Once you know where to find each piece of information, reading this label becomes simple and informative. 

1. To Be More Energy Efficient 

There are some simple tips to make your fridge or freezer more energy efficient right away. And they require little to no financial outlay- in fact, following these few tricks may well save you money at the end of the month!

Close the Door!

Opening and closing doors unnecessarily let the cool air out. This means the fridge uses more electricity each time it needs to cool down warm air again. Try and keep open and shut to a minimum, especially on warmer days!

Seal It Up

If the seals on your fridge do not work properly, they will let in warm air. Check seals regularly and replace those that no longer work, and you will save on electricity.

Correct Temperature Settings

If you have the wrong temperature setting on your Beko refrigerator you may be using more electricity than needed. Read the manual carefully to make sure your temperature settings are correct.

Defrost Regularly 

If you have ice built up inside your freezer it will prevent it from working at optimal levels. Many modern styles are auto defrosted or frost-free fridges, but it doesn’t hurt to check now and again that they are doing their job!

Location Location

Where you place your fridge or freezer in your house is very important. If it is in full sun, or next to another appliance that generates a lot of heat, you may be using a lot of electricity to keep food cold. If possible, place your fridge and freezer in the coolest part of your kitchen. 

Clean the Coils

Clean coils allow better airflow. Check your coils regularly and give them a good clean at least twice a year. Replace them if needed.

Hot Food

If you put hot food into your fridge or freezer, more electricity is required to cool down both the food and the appliance. Let food cool completely before putting it in the fridge or freezer.

2. The Right Fridge Saves You Money

We all have our preferences when it comes to home appliances.

Whether it is a sleek, modern upright fridge or a fridge with a water dispenser, there is a style to suit everyone. 

But while you may be basing your choice on the visually appealing, did you know that the right fridge can make your food last longer? Features like the CoolRoom or HarvestFresh technology of your Beko fridge will mean your groceries last up to three times longer in the fridge. 

Lit by LED lights, you will always have a clear view of what you have in your fridge. This means no digging around in the back, only to put your fingers into something fury that has been hiding out for years!

Let’s compare a few modern conveniences so you know exactly what you want on your wish list appliance!

Flexible Shelving

Being able to rearrange your shelving depending on what you currently have in your fridge is a huge bonus. No more lying down bottles and hoping they do not spray or leak everywhere or trying to balance beautiful desserts precariously on top of other fridge items. 

Frost-Free

Most modern fridges and freezers offer auto-defrost or NoFrost technology. This means no more time-consuming manual defrosting!

Solar Hybrid Appliances

New to the market is the hybrid fridge freezer. Using their own solar panels, these sustainable appliances draw their energy from the sun and offer another off-grid option. 

They are environmentally friendly and widely available. With an opportunity to lower your carbon footprint and save money on your electricity bill, what’s not to love about going in the hybrid direction!

3. Saving on Energy Usage 

A study by SANEDI (the South African National Energy Development Institute) showed that during peak periods, residential consumption can use up to 35% of the electricity demand nationally. While water heating accounts for a large portion of this usage, household appliances are also to blame.

The reason for this is that dishwashers, washing machines and induction stoves are the highest energy-consuming appliances on the market. In South Africa, second to these mentioned energy guzzlers was refrigeration. So, doesn’t it seem like a smart idea to be able to calculate the energy usage of your appliance before you purchase it?

There is a simple formula to calculate how much energy an appliance would use. You must multiply the kWh on the label of your appliance by the cost of the electricity from the municipality which will be found on your electricity bill. (If you know your numbers you can also use the Energy Efficiency Calculation tools here.)

In other words, your annual energy consumption X cost of electricity = the annual running cost of your chosen appliance. These calculation tools are available to help you make the best choice for your home.

Playing it Cool

Going with an energy-efficient fridge in South Africa will be a beneficial choice for several reasons. The biggest is a saving on your electricity bill at the end of the month, but this is not the only reason to move in this direction. 

Choosing the right fridge for your home, while knowing how to calculate energy usage and understanding the energy efficiency label correctly can not only save on your electricity but also save your groceries! 

For more information on our energy-efficient options, or any appliance-related questions contact us today and speak to our friendly team. We will be only too happy to point you in the direction of a more energy-efficient lifestyle, starting with your fridge!