A fridge is one of the most essential appliances in any hospitality business, but it can also be a significant contributor to electricity costs. Fortunately, there are several ways to reduce the energy usage of a fridge and save money on your electricity bill (and help the planet out as a side bonus!)

One of the simplest ways to save energy is to limit the number of times the fridge door is opened. Every time the door is opened, cold air escapes, and the fridge has to work harder to maintain its temperature. This is particularly important for busy establishments such as restaurants and bars, where the fridge is frequently opened to take out drinks or ingredients. One way to limit the number of times the door is opened is to take out items in batches. For example, if you expect to sell ten cans of soda in the next fifteen minutes, take them all out at once and keep them in a separate container.

Another important factor is to ensure the fridge door is closed quickly. This may seem like a small thing, but a quick-closing door can make a big difference in energy usage. When the door is left open, the fridge has to work harder to maintain its temperature. It's important to remind staff to close the fridge door quickly and to check that it's properly closed.

The location of the fridge can also have a significant impact on its energy usage. It's best to place the fridge in the coldest areas of the venue, away from direct sunlight and other sources of heat. This can reduce the amount of energy needed to keep the fridge cool. Installing shades or moving the fridge to a cooler area can make a big difference in energy usage.

Lastly, replacing old fridges can also make a significant difference in energy usage. Older fridges may not be as efficient as newer models and may consume more energy. While it may seem like a big upfront cost, investing in a new, energy-efficient fridge can result in significant long-term savings on your electricity bill.

How much would I save?

Assuming an annual energy consumption of 548 kilowatt-hours (kWh) for a commercial fridge, the annual cost of operating the fridge would be:

548 kWh x £0.47 per kWh = £257.56 per year

If implementing the energy-efficient practices mentioned in this article reduces the energy consumption of the fridge by 30%, the annual cost savings would be:

0.3 x 548 kWh x £0.47 per kWh = £76.38 per year

Which while not a life changing sum, is still significant. It's worth considering that the cost savings would be even higher with larger and less efficient refrigerators. Additionally, these practices can help reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainability, which are also important factors to consider.