From gas and electric to the weekly shop, people are still struggling to make ends meet.
With that in mind, there are a number of simple tricks that can be applied to household appliances that can help save on bills.
In this case, the fridge.
Energy specialists say a simple two-minute task could significantly improve efficiency and cut running costs.
The focus is not on turning the temperature down or buying a new appliance. It is on cleaning the coils at the back or underneath your fridge.
The cost of living crisis (since 2021) explained.
The ongoing cost of living crisis is the cost of lockdown crisis. It’s the cost of corporate greed crisis. It’s the cost of high taxation crisis.
We are being fleeced.
— James Melville 🚜 (@JamesMelville) August 23, 2025
Gordon Wallis from Your NRG said: “Your fridge coils are responsible for releasing heat and keeping the internal temperature stable.
“When they become clogged with dust and debris, the appliance has to work harder to stay cool, which increases energy use.”
With energy bills still a major concern for many families, small efficiency gains can make a noticeable difference over time.
“It is one of the simplest maintenance jobs in the home, yet it is regularly overlooked”, he added.
“Cleaning the coils can improve performance, and in some cases, households could see savings worth hundreds of pounds over the course of a year.”
Experts claim that keeping appliances running efficiently can add as much as 30 percent to overall annual energy savings when combined with other smart habits.
Fridge coils are usually located at the back of the appliance or beneath it, behind a removable grille.
“Before you start, always switch off and unplug the fridge”, Wallis notes. “Use a vacuum with a narrow attachment to remove built-up dust, then wipe away any remaining dirt carefully with a cloth.”
He stressed that the task should be done gently to avoid damaging the components.
“You do not need specialist tools, and it should take no more than a couple of minutes. Doing this twice a year helps keep your fridge running efficiently and reduces unnecessary strain on the motor.”
“When might the cost of living crisis end?”
“Well, we’ll always be fighting it…”
Lord Walker, the PM’s Cost of Living Champion, says the Govt is doing “everything they can to try and help” people “feel like they’ve got a few extra quid in their pockets”#Newsnight pic.twitter.com/U7VMhi3Azn
— BBC Newsnight (@BBCNewsnight) March 13, 2026
Why do fridges consume more electricity?
An overworked fridge not only consumes more electricity but can also wear out faster, potentially leading to costly repairs or replacement.
According to the EnergySavingTrust: “Fridges and freezers account for around 13% of the average household’s energy bill. These appliances need to stay on all the time, so they’re continually using energy to maintain a constant temperature.
“They’re also among the longest lasting appliances in the home. The typical fridge-freezer has a lifespan of 17 years. Just think: 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, for 17 years . You can see why choosing an energy-efficient model is a good idea.”
Wallis further explains: “When appliances are forced to work harder than they should, you are effectively paying more for the same result.
“Simple maintenance like this keeps energy consumption under control and extends the lifespan of the appliance.”
As households continue searching for ways to manage rising living costs, experts say quick wins like this could quietly add up to meaningful savings over time.
