As the cost-of-living crisis continues to bite and energy bills remain stubbornly high, UK families are being urged to pay closer attention to avoid making a surprisingly costly household mistake. According to experts at Your NRG heating oil supplier, this mistake could even silently add up to £237 a year to your electricity bill.

“It’s a simple fix, but one many people overlook,” said Gordon Wallis, renewable energy expert at Your NRG. The expert said that letting even the tiniest bit of ice build up in your freezer could cause your energy bills to soar.

“Just 5mm of frost can reduce your freezer’s efficiency by up to 30%, making it work overtime to maintain its temperature. That extra effort means more electricity, and higher bills.”

Frost may seem harmless or even a sign that your freezer is working well, but it actually acts as an insulating barrier, preventing cold air from circulating efficiently. As a result, the appliance must run for longer periods, drawing more energy to compensate.

Regular defrosting is key. Wallis recommends defrosting your freezer once or twice a year to keep it operating at peak performance.

“A good trick is to place bowls of hot water inside the freezer to help soften the ice,” he said.

“Once loosened, it can be gently scraped away, just make sure to unplug the unit first.”

It’s not just ice on the inside that can be costly. Dust and pet hair building up on the condenser coils, usually located on the back or underside of the unit, can also seriously hamper your freezer’s cooling efficiency.

“These coils are vital to the heat exchange process. If they’re clogged, your freezer struggles to cool properly,” Wallis explained. “Switch off the appliance and clean the coils with a vacuum at least once a year, or more often if you have pets.”

Recent figures suggest that the average UK household is already spending over £100 more per year on energy compared to pre-crisis levels. Tackling inefficiencies in everyday appliances is one way to take back control.

“During a time when every penny counts, keeping your appliances well-maintained is a no-brainer,” said Wallis. “Small changes like defrosting your freezer or cleaning the coils don’t cost anything, but they can deliver real savings over time.”