Electricity & electrical appliances

Refrigerator

• When buying, choose a high energy-efficiency refrigerator. Single door models are the most efficient; then stacked double doors, then parallel double doors. Select the size best suited to your family's needs.
• Place your fridge away from direct sunlight, your oven or any other heat sources. Allow 30 cm clear space on both sides and above, and at least 4 cm behind.
• Do not choose too cold a setting - it simply wastes electricity.
• Cover all food stored, and arrange it so that cold air can circulate freely.
• Do not put hot/warm food into your fridge - let it cool to room temperature first.
• Try not to open and close the fridge too often.
• Close the door(s) properly, and make sure the seals and hinges are airtight. Check the seals by putting a sheet of paper between the door and the main body of the fridge. If the paper moves, your seals need replacing.
• Thaw frozen food by putting it in the refrigerator section the day before cooking.
• Defrost regularly if your refrigerator is not a frost-free or cyclic defrost model. Accumulated ice should not be more than 6 mm thick.
• Do not block the cooling coils at the back of the fridge, and keep them clean - accumulated dust causes warming.
• Empty and switch off your fridge if going on a long vacation.

Microwave & Electric Oven

PLUS: see "General Cooking Hints"

• Fan-forces ovens cost 35% less to run than a conventional electric oven.
• Microwave ovens are fast and very energy-efficient, ideal for cooking small quantities of food, or for re-heating. Consider using one in conjunction with your present cooker.
• Induction cook-tops are also more energy-efficient.