Energy Cost of Living Budgeting

The £5 Note Fridge Trick That Could Cut Your Energy Bills

Here’s a money-saving hack that takes less than a minute: grab a £5 note and test your fridge door seal. It sounds odd, but it could help you spot a problem that’s quietly pushing up your energy bills by as much as 25%.

As temperatures rise across the UK this summer, your fridge has to work harder to keep food cold. If the seal around the door is worn or damaged, warm air seeps in constantly, forcing the compressor to run more often and use significantly more electricity. Over time, that adds up to real money wasted.

The banknote test is simple. Close your fridge door on a £5 note so part of it sticks out, then gently pull it. If it slides out easily without resistance, your seal may not be making proper contact with the fridge body. Try the test in different spots around the door — wear isn’t always even.

According to silicone seal specialists, most seal failures happen gradually. The material loses flexibility through age, repeated use, and exposure to dirt and grease. You might not notice month-to-month, but after several years the seal stops forming an airtight barrier.

Watch for these warning signs: the door doesn’t close as firmly, condensation appears around the edges, food doesn’t stay as cold, the compressor runs more frequently, or the seal looks cracked, hard or brittle.

The good news? Regular cleaning helps. A surprising amount of food residue builds up in the seal’s folds. Wipe it clean with a damp cloth to maintain proper contact and spot wear early.

If your seal fails the banknote test, you have options. Some seals are replaceable without calling an engineer — check your fridge manual or the manufacturer’s website. If replacement isn’t straightforward or your fridge is older, it might be time to consider a newer, more efficient model.

With energy bills a genuine concern for UK households, this one-minute check is worth doing before summer really kicks in. A faulty seal is an easy fix that could save you dozens of pounds a year on electricity.