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What to do with your appliances if the power goes
Power cut? Don't panic. Here's how to protect your appliances and get everything running safely again when the power comes back on.
After a weekend of storm chaos left thousands of homes without power, many Brits may be wondering whether the food in their fridge freezer is still safe to eat. With more unsettled weather forecast this week, knowing what to do during a power cut could save you from wasting food and potentially damaging your appliances.
AO’s appliance expert, Jade Golding-Gault provides her tips on what to do with your appliances if the power goes out:
Power cut? Here's how to protect your food
Keep doors closed
Avoid opening your fridge or freezer during a power cut. Keeping the doors shut helps trap cold air inside, keeping food safe for longer.
Keep your freezer full
A full freezer stays colder for longer because frozen items help keep each other chilled. Leave food where it is and avoid rearranging items during an outage.
Know how long food lasts
A closed fridge can keep food cold for up to 4 hours, while a full freezer can stay frozen for up to 48 hours. A half-full freezer will typically last around 24 hours.
Wait before restocking
When the power returns, give your appliances time to reach the correct temperature before adding new groceries. Overloading them too soon can slow the cooling process.
Check Appliance Settings
Extended power cuts can sometimes reset appliance settings. Make sure your fridge is below 5°C and your freezer is around -18°C once power is restored.
