Tips to help you save on your electricity bill

 

Do you feel like your electricity bills are skyrocketing, even though your habits haven’t changed? What if the culprit is hiding in your kitchen, more specifically in your fridge? Don’t worry, you don’t need to be a DIY expert to figure it out: a simple sheet of A4 paper could help you solve this mystery. Intrigued? Just wait until you discover this simple… but incredibly useful tip.

The fridge seal, that unsung hero who watches over your savings

We rarely think about it, but the rubber seal around the refrigerator door plays a crucial role. It’s what prevents cold air from escaping and keeps your appliance airtight. But over time, it can stretch, crack, or simply lose its effectiveness. The result? The refrigerator starts running continuously to compensate for the loss of cold air… and your energy bill  increases without you even realizing it .

The paper test: the foolproof home trick to check everything

No need for sophisticated tools   : a simple sheet of A4 paper (or a sheet of regular printer paper) is enough to do the test.

How to do it?

• Fold the sheet in half to give it some thickness.
• Open the fridge door, place the paper between the seal and the wall of the appliance , then close the door gently.
• Pull gently on the sheet.

What do you notice?

• If the sheet resists, that’s a good sign: the seal is still watertight.
• If it slides without any resistance, or even falls off by itself, it means the seal is no longer doing its job.

Bonus tip  : repeat this test in several places around the door (top, bottom, sides) for a complete diagnosis.

 

A faulty seal? Don’t panic, there are simple solutions.

No need to rush to  customer service  at the first sign of trouble. Here’s what you can do:

• • Clean it regularly : A soft cloth, warm water, and a little soap are all you need. Dirt or grease can prevent the seal from adhering properly.
  • Reshape it : A quick blast with a hairdryer (2 to 3 minutes on medium heat) can soften the rubber and allow it to regain its original shape. Then close the door so it settles back into place.
  • Replace it if necessary  : ​​A new seal costs between  €15 and €30 and will save you  unnecessary expenses in the long run . Do this if the seal is cracked, hardened, or visibly damaged.

Other smart tips for a more energy-efficient fridge

• Set the correct temperature  : between  2 and 5 °C  for the fridge,  -18 °C for the freezer.
• Let the air circulate : avoid overloading it so that the cold is distributed well.
• Close the door quickly : every second counts to keep the cold inside.
• Clean the grille or coils : twice a year, a quick vacuum at the back or underneath improves performance.
• Pack your food well  : in addition to preserving flavors, this prevents moisture loss and eases strain on the engine.

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