The article discusses the optimal temperatures for refrigerators and freezers, emphasizing that the ideal range is 3-5°C for refrigerators and -18°C for freezers. These temperatures are crucial as they ensure food safety, reduce bacterial growth, and maintain proper preservation of food items. The article highlights the importance of monitoring refrigerator settings, which are often overlooked despite being essential for daily operations.

It further details the financial implications of improper temperature settings, noting that lowering the temperature unnecessarily can lead to increased electricity consumption. Specifically, for every degree the temperature is lowered below the recommended settings, energy consumption could rise by up to 5%. For an average refrigerator, which consumes about 250-350 kWh per year, this can significantly affect household energy bills and costs, leading to annual expenses of approximately 60-80 €.

The article concludes by encouraging consumers to pay close attention to their refrigerator settings, not only to safeguard their food but also to manage their energy costs better. With refrigerators operating continuously, even small adjustments in temperature can lead to noticeable financial implications and stress the necessity of proper appliance maintenance for efficiency and safety.