We all know that the trusty fridge is an absolute must-have in our homes, keeping our food fresh and ready to eat. But, like every other electrical gizmo, fridges need power to do their thing. The amount of energy your fridge uses can affect your electricity bill and even have an impact on Mother Earth.
Let’s have a quick run through about the average wattage fridges, how many watts a refrigerator draws, and how you can cut down fridge energy consumption. Remember, if your fridge or other home appliances need a bit of TLC, National Appliance Repairs is here for you with same-day repairs.
So, What’s the Average Wattage of a Fridge?
Well, the average wattage of a fridge depends on its size, model, and fancy features. Generally, a standard refrigerator uses somewhere between 100 to 800 watts, with most models chugging along at around 150 to 200 watts. Bigger fridges with extra bells and whistles, like ice makers, water dispensers, and smart tech, might use more juice.
To find your fridge’s wattage, have a squiz at the manufacturer’s label or specs, usually hiding on the back or inside the unit. Just remember that the wattage listed is an average, so the actual consumption might be a bit different depending on factors like how much you use it and temperature settings.
How Many Watts Does a Refrigerator Draw?
The wattage a refrigerator draws hinges on its compressor, which is the little guy responsible for maintaining the perfect temp inside the fridge. When the compressor is running, the fridge may draw more power than when it’s having a bit of a breather. On average, a compressor runs for about 8 to 12 hours per day, depending on the fridge’s efficiency and things like room temperature and humidity.
For example, if your fridge has an average wattage of 150 watts and the compressor runs for 10 hours per day, it’ll draw roughly 1,500 watt-hours (Wh) or 1.5 kilowatt-hours (kWh) daily. To work out the monthly consumption, just multiply the daily usage by the number of days in a month. In this case, the fridge would consume around 45 kWh per month.
How Many Watts Does a Refrigerator Use Based on Size and Type?
Different shapes and sizes of refrigerators use different amounts of power. Here’s a rough guesstimate of how many watts a refrigerator uses based on its size and type:
- Compact fridge: These little fellas are perfect for dorm rooms or small flats and typically use about 100 to 250 watts.
- Top-freezer refrigerator: This common household fridge with a freezer on top uses approximately 150 to 400 watts.
- Bottom-freezer refrigerator: With the freezer down below, these models are more energy-efficient and use roughly 100 to 350 watts.
- Side-by-side refrigerator: These bigger fridges with separate doors for the freezer and fridge compartments usually need 300 to 800 watts.
- French door refrigerator: Offering more storage space and better organisation, French door fridges use around 400 to 600 watts.
Keep in mind that these figures are rough estimates, so actual power consumption might vary depending on the specific model, features, and how you use it.
How Many Watts is a Fridge When Running Non-Stop?
It’s important to note that a fridge doesn’t run non-stop. As we mentioned earlier, the compressor takes breaks throughout the day to maintain the set temperature. When the compressor is chilling out (pun intended), the fridge consumes a lot less power – usually only around 5 to 10 watts.
So, even if your fridge has an average wattage of 200 watts, it doesn’t mean it’s guzzling 200 watts every hour. Instead, it’ll use that amount of power only when the compressor is running, which is typically for 8 to 12 hours per day.
How to Cut Down Your Fridge’s Energy Consumption
If you’re aiming to reduce energy consumption, you’re not alone. To reduce the amount of juice your fridge’s uses, give these tips a go:
- Set the right temperature: The ideal temp for a fridge is between 3°C and 5°C, while the freezer should be around -18°C.
- Keep the fridge and freezer full: A full fridge holds cold better than an empty one, helping the compressor take it easy.
- Clean the coils: Dusty condenser coils can make the compressor work harder, increasing energy consumption. Give them a clean regularly to boost efficiency.
- Position your fridge wisely: Keep the fridge away from heat sources like ovens and direct sunlight so that it doesn’t have to work harder to stay cool.
- Seal the doors properly: Check the door seals for any gaps or cracks, as they can let cold air escape, making the fridge work harder.
Fridge hassles? Give us a call
If your fridge or other home appliances are playing up, don’t hesitate to get in touch for same-day repairs. Our team of skilled technicians specialises in all sorts of appliances, including commercial fridge repairs. Give us a shout today for quick and professional service.