What is the ideal temperature for limiting electricity consumption?

Refrigerators and freezers are indispensable everyday appliances, but also some of the most energy-hungry in the home. Incorrect temperature settings can lead to unnecessary electricity consumption, without even improving food preservation.

In this article, Frigelux helps you identify the optimum temperature for your refrigerator and freezer, to reduce your energy bill while ensuring food safety.

Why does temperature affect electricity consumption ?

An appliance that is too cold runs longer and consumes more energy. Conversely, if it's set too hot, it no longer guarantees proper food preservation, which can lead to losses and food waste.

Precise temperature control allows you to strike the right balance between conservation efficiency and energy savings.

Ideal refrigerator temperature

The recommended temperature is 4 °C in the center of the refrigerator.

• At this temperature, food is well preserved without freezing.

• Each degree lower increases consumption by around 5 à 10 %.

• In summer, we can go down slightly to 3 °C if the fridge is very full.

Tip Frigelux place a thermometer in center of refrigerator to check the actual temperature, as the temperature shown on the dial may vary from zone to zone.

Ideal freezer temperature

The freezer must be set to -18 °C.

• This temperature enables stop the development of micro-organisms while limiting consumption.

• A freezer set to -22°C consumes up to 25% more energy with no real benefit for conservation.

Note: for rapid freezing (e.g. after cooking), you can temporarily freeze at -24°C, then return to -18°C.

Common mistakes that increase consumption

Settings too low

• Many users set the temperature too low "as a precaution".

• This increases operating cycles, and therefore consumption.

Ill-filled or overfilled appliances

• An empty fridge doesn't keep the cold in as well (hot air can easily get in).

• An overloaded fridge prevents air circulation, forcing the compressor to run more often.

Too frequent openings

• Each opening causes hot air to enter, which the unit must compensate for.

• Try to gather your gestures to avoid multiple openings.

Poor placement in the kitchen

• A device placed near a heat source (oven, radiator, sunny window) will consume more to maintain its internal temperature.

How do I adjust the temperature efficiently ?

Refrigerator with digital display

• Set the temperature precisely to 4 °C.

• Check after a few hours with a indoor thermometer for fridge.

Refrigerator with mechanical thermostat (thumbwheel)

• Position "3" or "4" generally corresponds to 4 or 5°C.

• If food freezes in the center section, the setting is too low.

For the freezer

• On models with rotary knob, refer to manual for temperature/position correspondence.

• Choose a stable temperature at -18 °C.

Tips for reducing energy consumption on a daily basis

• Defrost regularly freezer (except No Frost models): 5 mm of frost increases consumption by up to 30%.

• Check door seals a damaged or clogged seal lets hot air through.

• Allow dishes to cool before chilling.

• Place a bottle of water in a slightly full fridge this helps stabilize the temperature.

• Clean the rear grille dust prevents proper heat dissipation.

FAQ - Setting and consumption of refrigeration appliances

Does lowering the temperature improve preservation ?

Yes, but only up to a certain point. Below 3°C in the fridge, you risk freezing certain fragile foods, with no real gain in shelf life.

My freezer displays -22°C, is that better ?

No. This temperature offers no significant advantage and needlessly increases consumption. Return to -18°C.

Does an empty fridge consume more energy ?

Yes, because cold air escapes faster every time you open your fridge. Filling your fridge intelligently (bottles, jars) helps stabilize the temperature.

In a nutshell

For reduce the power consumption of your appliances Frigelux while preserving your food in complete safety :

• Set the refrigerator to 4 °C ; ;

• Set the freezer to -18 °C ; ;

• Avoid low settings and frequent openings ;

• Maintain your appliances regularly to ensure their efficiency.

These simple gestures will help you protect your food, reduce your energy bill and extend the life of your equipment.