Energy-efficient fridges vs. conventional fridges

Is Your Fridge Secretly Costing You Hundreds a Year?

It’s easy to forget about your fridge when you’re thinking about saving money on your energy bills. After all, it’s always quietly humming along in the background.
 But the reality is, if your fridge isn’t energy-efficient, it could be silently eating away at your wallet — month after month.
 Upgrading to an energy-efficient Smeg fridge is one simple change that could make a noticeable difference on your next electricity bill without sacrificing style or performance.

Here’s how an outdated or inefficient fridge could be adding unnecessary costs to your home — and what you can do about it.

How Fridges Become Silent Money Drains

Older fridges were built to last — but unfortunately, they weren’t built with today’s energy standards in mind.
 Even models from just a decade ago can be using significantly more electricity than necessary.

Common signs your fridge is costing you more than it should:

  • It feels hot to the touch on the outside

  • You notice condensation building up inside

  • It struggles to keep food properly cold

  • The motor is running almost all the time

  • Your electricity bill seems higher than expected

Because a fridge runs 24/7, even small inefficiencies add up quickly.
 Unlike appliances you only use occasionally, a fridge’s energy demands are constant.

What Makes a Fridge Truly Energy-Efficient?

Choosing a fridge with the right energy credentials isn’t just about picking the one with the biggest energy rating sticker.

Look for features like:

  • Inverter compressors that adjust cooling power based on need

  • LED lighting that uses minimal electricity

  • High-quality seals to prevent cold air from leaking

  • Advanced insulation to maintain internal temperatures more efficiently

Brands like Smeg have refined these technologies into their modern designs, blending energy efficiency with premium aesthetics that suit any kitchen style.

Why Upgrading Pays for Itself

Swapping an old, inefficient fridge for a new, energy-conscious model might feel like a big expense upfront — but the long-term savings can be substantial.

On average, running an old fridge can cost hundreds of dollars more per year than a modern, energy-saving model.
 Over the lifetime of the appliance, that could easily add up to thousands in wasted electricity.

Plus, energy-efficient fridges often help extend the lifespan of your groceries.
 Better temperature stability means your fresh produce, dairy, and meats last longer — saving you even more money by reducing food waste.

Extra Tips to Maximize Fridge Efficiency

Even with a modern fridge, a few good habits can help you squeeze even more savings out of your appliance:

  • Keep it full (but not crowded): A fuller fridge maintains temperature better but allow space for air to circulate.

  • Let hot food cool before refrigerating: This stops the fridge from working overtime.

  • Clean the coils: Dusty coils make the motor work harder, using more energy.

  • Check the door seals: A quick test with a piece of paper can reveal if cold air is leaking out.

These small steps, combined with a smarter fridge choice, help keep your household running more efficiently day-to-day.

Small Changes, Big Impact

It’s easy to overlook appliances that quietly run in the background, but when it comes to saving money and energy, the fridge is one of the most important places to start.
 If you’ve been putting off an upgrade, it might be time to take a closer look at what your current fridge is really costing you — and whether it’s quietly draining your budget without you even realising.

The good news? The right fridge can make a world of difference — for your food, your electricity bills, and your peace of mind.