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You’ve been using your fridge freezer all wrong – simple mistakes that are pushing up energy bills

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AS the cost of living crisis bites, one thing you can’t switch off to save money is your fridge freezer. 

But you can make sure you aren’t making any simple mistakes that will cost you more money.

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How you're using your fridge freezer might be pushing up your energy billsCredit: Alamy

Common faux pas like leaving the door open or letting ice build up in the freezer tray will add to your running costs. 

So simple tips could really help as the cost of living rises for millions households. 

Energy prices are at an all time high and are expected to rise further this year, putting more pressure on family finances.

Bills rocketed back in April when the energy price cap leapt to £1,971.

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And new analysis has forecast that bills will rocket by another £1,300 this October to an eye-watering £3,244.

If you are using your fridge freezer all wrong then you could be adding more to your bills than necessary.

Here are the mistakes you've been making, and how to cut costs.

Defrost your freezer compartment

If you don't defrost your freezer compartment regularly it could add as much as £150 a year to your bill based on today's prices.

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When ice builds up, it increases the amount of work your freezer’s motor needs to do to keep your food cool. 

And the harder your motor is working, the more energy you are using. 

To avoid the problem, watch out for a build up of ice (you'll probably notice it when one of the drawers jams!) and take this as a sign you're due a defrost.

Don’t overpack the fridge

You should also try to avoid squeezing in too much food in your fridge or freezer.

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