Your refrigerator and freezer are likely to be some of the biggest energy guzzlers in your home or office so here are some simple energy-saving tips which will also save you money.

• Make sure that you keep the coils on the back of your fridge-freezer clean. Use a vacuum cleaner or duster every 3 months to remove dust and dirt and you could save up to 30% on your electricity bill. Unplug the fridge-freezer first to avoid electric shocks.
• Fridge-freezers work best in cold spaces, so try to keep them away from ovens  and out of direct sunlight.
• The coils at the back work better if they're kept at least 10cm from the wall and dust-free.
• Regularly clean door seals and replace damaged ones ASAP.
• Fridges works most efficiently when well stocked but don't overfill them.
• Keep liquids covered as vapours make the fridge work harder so use more energy and cost you more money.
• Keep the appliance at its optimum temperature – 3-5°C for the fridge and -18°C for freezers.
• Freezers work more efficiently when full so fill any empty spaces with crumpled newspaper or sealed plastic boxes.
• Open fridge and freezer doors for as short a time as possible.
• Never put warm food in the fridge, let it cool first.

Photo: Sarnil Prasad