What is the most energy efficient fridge setting?

Author: Julian Hayes  |  Last update: Sunday, August 31, 2025

Check the temperature of your refrigerator and freezer with a thermometer. Set them to whichever setting allows the refrigerator temperature to remain between 35 and 38 degrees, and your freezer between 0 and 5 degrees. A refrigerator set 10 degrees colder uses up to 25 percent more energy.

Should I set my fridge to 3 or 4?

The recommended temperature for a refrigerator is around 37 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit (3 to 4 degrees Celsius). This range helps prevent bacterial growth and keeps your food fresh.

Which is better energy rating, A or F?

First introduced 20 years ago, energy labels awarded a product with an A for high efficiency, or an F for low efficiency and encouraged manufacturers to drive innovation by using more energy efficient technologies. Over time, the scheme evolved and labels of A+, A++ and A+++ were added, adding confusion for consumers.

Is 37 too low for a fridge?

The safe temperature for a refrigerator is 40, but to keep things fresh longer, 37 is better.

What fridge uses the least amount of electricity?

French door fridges help you save energy because you can open one door at a time so less cold air escapes, while top-mount fridges could also help you use less energy than side-by-side fridges of the same size.

Refrigerator Energy Saving Tips

What is the most economical setting for a fridge?

For the greatest energy efficiency, set your fridge to 5 degrees Celsius and your freezer to -18 degrees Celsius. If your fridge doesn't provide degree readings, setting it to the mid-point of the temperature dial is usually the most optimal choice.

How can I save electricity with my refrigerator?

Keeping fridge and freezer energy costs down
  1. Choose an efficient unit. If you're reading this ahead of buying a new fridge, prioritise efficiency. ...
  2. Check the seals. ...
  3. Fill without overfilling. ...
  4. Check your temperature settings. ...
  5. Let hot things cool first. ...
  6. Use your fridge as a defroster. ...
  7. Don't let frost build up. ...
  8. Keep the door closed.

What should a normal fridge be set at?

Most experts recommend that the ideal temperature setting for a refrigerator is between 35-38°F (1.6-3.3°C). This temp ensures food safety by giving a 2-5 degree buffer in case the temperature gauge isn't wholly accurate.

Is 1 too low for a fridge?

Based on these two factors here's the number your fridge should be set on: If you're always storing plenty of food you need the colder settings (3 to 4). If you're not storing as much choose between 2 and 3. If the temperature is very low, ice will form and it may prevent air circulation.

Is 36 cold enough for a fridge?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that your refrigerator temperature should be at or below 40°F, and your freezer temperature at or below 0°F. However, the ideal refrigerator temperature is actually lower. Aim to stay between 35° and 38°F (or 1.7 to 3.3°C).

How to tell if a fridge is energy efficient?

Energy Rating Labels are displayed on all new fridge freezers, in line with government guidelines. These labels are designed to help you, the consumer, make an informed decision when buying a new refrigerator, because they tell you how energy efficient a particular model is.

What is the best energy rating for a fridge?

“A”-rated fridge freezers are the most efficient models, and “G”-rated fridge freezers are the least efficient models, which could use more energy and drive your utility bills up.

What does A+ mean on a fridge freezer?

Energy class (A+++ to A+) Since 2012, fridge freezers have had to meet energy ratings of at least A+. Yet, retailers may still have A and B rated appliances in stock. While A+ isn't bad, an A+++ appliance will be cheaper to run and better for the environment.

Is number 3 ok for a fridge?

It is important to understand these optimal settings to ensure your food stays fresh and safe. For the fridge compartment, we recommend maintaining a temperature between 3°C to 5°C to slow bacterial growth and preserve perishable items effectively.

What setting is best for fridge?

To keep food cold and fresh but not frozen, it should be set somewhere between 3-5°C (37-40°F). Some fridges have a temperature reading, but most have a numbered dial. This usually goes from 1 to 5, with 5 being the coldest.

Is 4 too cold for a fridge?

Here's the short answer: 5 degrees Celsius (41 Fahrenheit) or under. Nasty bacteria thrive at between 8 degrees and 63 degrees, known as the 'danger zone'. This is why the Food Standards Agency recommends keeping your fridge under 5 degrees to be safe.

Should I put my fridge on 1 or 5?

The ideal fridge temperature is 3-5 °C (37-41 °F) while freezers should be -18 °C (0 °F) or colder. These temperatures keep your food safe and help to maximise its shelf life. UK food businesses are legally required to keep their fridges below 8 °C (46 °F) and their freezers below -18 °C (0 °F).

What should a fridge be set at in the summer?

You should keep your fridge temperature set at 3°C/37.4F and your freezer set at -19°C/-2.2F (or -18°C/-0.4F, depending on your model) all year-round.

Is 37 too low for fridge?

The ideal refrigerator temperature is 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below in the main part of the fridge. The optimal temperature for keeping foods cold is 37 degrees Fahrenheit. If you're wondering what temperature should a refrigerator be, put a thermometer inside your fridge.

What number should I set my fridge to?

Fridge temperature settings are generally numbered from 1 to 5, with 5 being the coldest. A fully stocked fridge may need to be set to a higher setting (around 3 or 4), whereas one with more space is best suited to temperature setting 2 or 3.

What temperature should milk be kept at?

Ideally, milk should be stored in the refrigerator at 40 degrees F or below. Storing and serving milk at this temperature extends overall shelf-life and maximizes flavor. Store your milk in the coldest part of the refrigerator, not in the door where it will be exposed to outside air every time someone opens it.

What is the best room temperature for a refrigerator?

Extreme Temperatures Can Damage Fridge

The temperature of the room that a refrigerator is in should be between 60ºF and 95ºF. That's a really wide range, and you might think there's no way your refrigerator could be in a situation where the ambient temperature is either that high or that low.

What is the most energy efficient setting for a refrigerator?

Take Its Temperature

Check the temperature of your refrigerator and freezer with a thermometer. Set them to whichever setting allows the refrigerator temperature to remain between 35 and 38 degrees, and your freezer between 0 and 5 degrees. A refrigerator set 10 degrees colder uses up to 25 percent more energy.

What is the best temperature to save on an electric bill?

The smaller the difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures, the lower your overall cooling bill will be. You can easily save energy in the winter by setting the thermostat to around 68°F to 70°F while you're awake and setting it lower while you're asleep or away from home.

What causes fridge to consume more electricity?

Continually opening and closing the fridge door lets warm air in hence adding extra pressure to the compressor. This means your fridge and freezer will need to use energy to keep the fridge at its desired temperature.

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