UK households are being advised to switch off and unplug their fridges before heading off on holiday this August, particularly if the appliance is empty, as part of efforts to cut unnecessary energy use.
Gordon Wallis, an energy expert at Your NRG, said many people forget about appliances that keep running while nobody is home. He said: "Most people do a quick check before leaving for holiday, making sure the windows are shut and the doors are locked, but they often forget about the appliances that will continue running while nobody is home."
Check the second fridge
Wallis highlighted older second fridges or drinks fridges kept in garages as a common source of wasted energy. He said: "If you've got an old second fridge or drinks fridge in the garage that's barely being used, leaving it switched on for a week or two while you're away is simply wasting energy. If it's empty, switch it off, unplug it and leave the door slightly ajar to prevent mould."
For families with food they want to keep cold, the advice is different. Wallis said: "Your main fridge-freezer should generally remain switched on if it contains food, but it's worth checking the temperature before you leave. Setting it colder than necessary won't keep food fresher for longer – it simply increases electricity use. For most households, keeping your fridge between 3°C and 5°C and your freezer at around -18°C is enough to keep food safe while using energy efficiently."
Standby and chargers
Wallis also advised turning off other appliances that continue to draw power on standby. He said: "Televisions, games consoles, printers, coffee machines and microwave displays all continue using small amounts of electricity when left on standby. Individually the savings might seem small, but if you're away for two weeks there's no reason to leave them drawing power."
He also suggested unplugging chargers that are not in use. "They consume very little electricity on their own, but it's an easy habit that helps cut unnecessary energy use."
Wallis added: "A few simple checks before you head off can help reduce unnecessary energy use while your home is sitting empty. It won't transform your annual bill overnight, but every bit helps, particularly during the summer holiday season when many households are away for a week or more."
