Use Your Chest Freezer More Efficiently - Save Electricity and Save Money

As energy prices seem to keep rising by the week, finding small ways to reduce costs has never been more important.

Even though our home appliances are essential to everyday life, they do account for a large proportion of our energy usage. Learning how to use them more effectively to reduce energy - and your utility bills.

Here are some great tips for getting the most from your chest freezer, while spending as little as possible on energy.

• There is a limit to how much can be frozen within a 24 hour period. Don't exceed this as it can raise the temperature, leading to a partial thaw
• Only freeze top quality, fresh clean food
• Prepare food in small portions so that is can freeze more rapidly; this will also help later as you only need to thaw out the amount required
• Wrap food to be frozen in cling film or foil, and make sure that the package is as airtight as possible
• Transfer your shop bought frozen food into your freezer as quickly as possible to prevent partial thawing. Tip: When re-stocking your freezer, put all the items right next to it before opening the door
• When filling your freezer, try not to keep the lid open too long
• Don't put fizzy drink cans or bottles into the freezer as the containers will explode and possible damage the appliance
• Frozen liquids like ice lollies and ice cubes can cause skin damage if you handle them too quickly after removing from the freezer. Allow a couple of minutes before touching or consuming them
• When positioning your freezer, make sure the plug socket is easily accessible in case of an emergency and you need to switch the unit off
• Try to limit the number of times you open the doors to your fridge and freezer - every time the door is opened, cold air escapes and warm air enters meaning the appliance must work harder to reduce the temperature

More Chest Freezer Tips

Airflow

Ensure there is a good sized air gap around each side of the freezer. It is important to let air flow around the outside case - this is especially true of the back panel where the heat is dissipated. manufacturers recommend at least 5cm on each side

Keep the freezer out of direct sunlight. If stored in an outbuilding, try an ensure some ventilation without compromising security of course.

Contents

Regular review the contents. The optimum capacity is surprising, around 75% full. This leaves enough space for air to circulate inside, and at the same time provides enough mass to retain coldness when the door is opened.

Even frozen food can loose flavour over time - write the date onto packages when you freeze, and discard items that you will never use.

Defrost

Use a blunt plastic tool to scrape excess ice away and prevent frost build-up. Defrost regularly. Check your user manual for details, but it is usually every 6 months or so.

If your freezer is old and/or always full to the brim, maybe it is time to invest in a newer, bigger one?