The refrigerator is an integral part of most homes and is vital in storing food. Many of us wonder how much electricity this essential household appliance consumes or if it can run with solar energy. In this article, I will examine this issue and try to answer this question.
How does a refrigerator work?
Before we move on to the question about the power consumed by the refrigerator, it is worth understanding how this equipment works. Refrigerators are refrigeration devices that use thermodynamic processes to maintain a low temperature. The main element responsible for cooling is the compressor, which circulates the coolant through a closed system. The coolant flows through the condenser, releasing heat to the surroundings and lowering the temperature inside the refrigerator.
| Brand | Type | Daily (kWh) | Weekly (kWh) | Monthly (kWh) | Yearly (kWh) |
| Daikin | Inverter | 0.6 – 1.3 | 4.2 – 9.1 | 18 – 39 | 216 – 468 |
| Non-Inverter | 1.0 – 1.8 | 7 – 12.6 | 30 – 54 | 360 – 648 | |
| Mitsubishi Electric | Inverter | 0.7 – 1.4 | 4.9 – 9.8 | 21 – 42 | 252 – 504 |
| Non-Inverter | 1.1 – 2.0 | 7.7 – 14 | 33 – 60 | 396 – 720 | |
| Koppel | Inverter | 0.8 – 1.6 | 5.6 – 11.2 | 24 – 48 | 288 – 576 |
| Non-Inverter | 1.2 – 2.2 | 8.4 – 15.4 | 36 – 66 | 432 – 792 | |
| Gree | Inverter | 0.5 – 1.2 | 3.5 – 8.4 | 15 – 36 | 180 – 432 |
| Non-Inverter | 1.0 – 1.7 | 7 – 11.9 | 30 – 51 | 360 – 612 | |
| Sharp | Inverter | 0.6 – 1.3 | 4.2 – 9.1 | 18 – 39 | 216 – 468 |
| Non-Inverter | 1.0 – 1.8 | 7 – 12.6 | 30 – 54 | 360 – 648 | |
| TCL | Inverter | 0.7 – 1.4 | 4.9 – 9.8 | 21 – 42 | 252 – 504 |
| Non-Inverter | 1.1 – 2.0 | 7.7 – 14 | 33 – 60 | 396 – 720 | |
| Chigo | Inverter | 0.8 – 1.6 | 5.6 – 11.2 | 24 – 48 | 288 – 576 |
| Non-Inverter | 1.2 – 2.2 | 8.4 – 15.4 | 36 – 66 | 432 – 792 | |
| Samsung | Inverter | 0.4 – 1.0 | 9 – 30 | 40 – 120 | 480 – 1440 |
| Non-Inverter | 0.8 – 1.5 | 15 – 35 | 60 – 150 | 720 – 1800 | |
| LG | Inverter | 0.5 – 1.2 | 10 – 35 | 45 – 140 | 540 – 1680 |
| Non-Inverter | 0.9 – 1.6 | 16 – 38 | 65 – 160 | 780 – 1920 | |
| Haier | Inverter | 0.4 – 1.1 | 9 – 33 | 40 – 132 | 480 – 1584 |
| Non-Inverter | 0.9 – 1.7 | 16 – 42 | 65 – 170 | 780 – 2040 | |
| Panasonic | Inverter | 0.5 – 1.0 | 10 – 30 | 45 – 120 | 540 – 1440 |
| Non-Inverter | 1.0 – 1.5 | 17 – 35 | 70 – 150 | 840 – 1800 |
How much power does the refrigerator consume?
A refrigerator’s power depends on many factors, such as its size, brand, model, age, and technology. Modern refrigerators are usually more energy-efficient than older models. The power consumed by a refrigerator is expressed in watts (W) or kilowatts (kW). For example, a traditional refrigerator with a capacity of 200 liters may consume power ranging from 100 to 200W. In comparison, a larger side-by-side refrigerator with a capacity of 600 liters may consume from 150 to 300W. However, it is worth remembering that these are only approximate values. And actual power may vary depending on the specific model.
How to reduce the power consumption of your refrigerator?
There are several ways to reduce the power consumption of your refrigerator and thus reduce operating costs:
1. Maintain the appropriate temperature inside the refrigerator. A temperature that is too low is not necessary and only increases energy consumption.
2. Regularly check the tightness of the refrigerator door to prevent unnecessary warm air from entering the interior.
3. Avoid opening the refrigerator door too often and for long periods. Each opening causes cold air loss and requires more energy to cool the interior again.
4. Defrost and clean your refrigerator regularly. A layer of ice on the walls affects cooling efficiency and increases energy consumption.
5. Place the refrigerator in a suitable place, away from heat sources such as stoves or radiators.
What temperature should the refrigerator be?
The recommended temperature inside the refrigerator is about 3-5 degrees Celsius. This is the right temperature to store food and prevent bacterial growth.
Does the refrigerator use energy when empty?
Yes, the refrigerator consumes energy even when it is empty. However, stocking your fridge with food helps maintain a stable temperature inside, which can contribute to lower energy consumption.
How much does it cost to use a refrigerator?
The cost of using a refrigerator depends on its power, electricity price, and operating time. In the case of modern refrigerators marked with the highest energy class, the annual cost may be approximately ₱10500 to ₱13000.
Can I connect my refrigerator to UPS power?
You can connect your refrigerator to a UPS (uninterruptible power supply). However, due to the high power consumption of the fridge, it is necessary to select a UPS that is efficient and large enough to provide uninterrupted power for an extended period.
Are energy-saving refrigerators worth the price?
Energy-efficient refrigerators may be more expensive, but they can save money on electricity bills in the long run. Choosing a new refrigerator is worth considering operating costs and energy consumption.