Running Costs for Freezers Conclusions

This is part 3 of a 3 part article on Freezer Running Costs. See also :

• Freezer Running Costs Introduction
• Freezer Running Costs Test Results

Freezers are a great way to store food. Properly blanched, we have kept vegetables for two years without noticeable deterioration. However, you do need to keep an eye on the running costs.

Buying a fairly new second hand freezer makes good sense, our dumps are full of perfectly working fridges and freezers so getting an extra 5 or even 10 years life from an unwanted appliance is good. Even if the second hand freezers are not as efficient as a new freezer it makes ecological and economic sense to go for second hand.

If you can obtain a Savaplug or equivalent, they're well worth buying. The return on your investment is far higher than any bank. Not all freezers, particularly expensive ones with electronic displays, can be run with a Savaplug. They do provide a list of unsuitable appliances which you can find on Nigel's Eco Store.

When buying a new fridge or freezer, go for the best energy rating models only.

When buying a fridge freezer, look for one where you can control the temperature in the freezer and fridge separately.

Avoid fancy frost-free freezers. They generally work by blowing air through the cabinet that removes moisture-laden air reducing the amount of frost build up. The advantage of not having to spend a couple of hours defrosting every six months or so is far outweighed by the additional running costs and risk of more mechanical parts failing.

Chest freezers, even if nominally lower rated for energy saving, seem more intrinsically efficient. Because when you open the lid the cold remains in the cabinet, they seem to use less energy in re-cooling. You can also get more into them for a given size.

If you find a large chest freezer and you've space for it, then go for it. You can save a small fortune by storing your own produce and picking up bargains at the end of their sell by date.

This is part 3 of a 3 part article on Freezer Running Costs. See also :

• Freezer Running Costs Introduction
• Freezer Running Costs Test Results
• Buying a Freezer - chest, upright or fridge freezer?

Freezer & Energy Saving Resources

• Big Green Smile - an online shop specialising in ecologically sound products including meters and standby busters etc
• Nigel's Eco Store - another online shop specialising in ecologically sound products.
• Currys - Refrigeration - good range of freezers at especially good prices
  inc. Chest Freezers
• Electricshop.com - good range of chest freezers

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