Households across the UK are being urged to fill their freezers to prepare for possible power cuts and save money on bills this winter.

The colder months always put an added strain on household finances thanks to running the heating, while more time spent indoors means other appliances are in greater use. Things like TVs, games consoles and tumble dryers will likely be used more often at this time of the year, which all adds up on your monthly bills. Ofgem’s energy price cap went up by 2% this month to £1,755 per year for a typical household in England, Scotland and Wales, but the cap isn’t the absolute maximum price you will pay for energy as it is based on usage – so the more you use, the more you’ll pay.

But according to experts, an easy way to save money on energy bills – and prepare your home for a possible power cut in the process – is keeping your freezer full.

A full freezer is much more energy efficient than an empty one and it is better equipped to stay cold during a power cut. This is because the frozen food essentially creates a solid thermal mass that holds the cold temperature for much longer.

When there is less empty space in your freezer it is harder for warm air to circulate, so the temperature inside rises more slowly and the food items essentially insulate each other, helping to retain a cold temperature for longer.

During a power cut, a freezer that is full can keep food frozen for up to 48 hours, while one that is only half-full will only be able to maintain its temperature for around 24 hours.

Anthony Mellor at Swinton Home Insurance is urging households to focus on their freezers this winter as a way to help save money and prepare for power cuts.

He said: “Ice build-up makes your freezer’s motor work harder and longer to maintain its temperature, consuming more electricity. In contrast, a defrosted freezer runs more efficiently and consumes less energy.

“To keep your machine running well, defrost when the frost build-up covers a large area and exceeds ¼-inch (0.6cm) thickness.

“Keeping your freezer full is also more energy-efficient than an empty one. A full freezer minimises the amount of warm air that can enter when you open the freezer door, plus the frozen contents help cool any warm air that does get in. This means less energy is required to bring the temperature back down.

“If that wasn’t a big enough incentive, according to the Food Standards Agency, if you were to ever experience a dreaded power cut, a freezer that is half full would hold food safely for 24 hours, but this doubles to 48 hours if completely full.”