Factors Influencing Fridge Wattage
2. The Wattage Whirlwind
Several factors play a role in determining how many watts to run a fridge. Let's consider the fridge's age. Older models, bless their hearts, often consume significantly more energy than their modern, energy-efficient counterparts. Technology has advanced quite a bit, so newer fridges are designed with energy conservation in mind.
The size and type of your fridge also matter. A massive side-by-side refrigerator with all the bells and whistles will naturally draw more power than a compact mini-fridge. Features like automatic ice makers, water dispensers, and through-the-door access also add to the energy consumption. These conveniences, while lovely, do come at a cost.
And don't underestimate the importance of maintenance and usage habits! A fridge with dirty coils, a worn-out door seal, or one that's constantly overstuffed has to work harder to maintain the desired temperature, leading to increased wattage. The more you open the door, the more cold air escapes, and the harder the fridge has to work to get back to the set temperature. Treat your fridge well, and it will treat your wallet well in return.
Lastly, ambient temperature matters. If your fridge is in a garage that gets super hot in the summer, it will have to work overtime to stay cold. Consider the location of your fridge when thinking about its energy consumption. A cool, well-ventilated spot is ideal.
