Are you wondering if it’s bad to run a refrigerator when it’s empty? Well, not really, but it depends. These appliances consume about 799-1199 watts daily.
Hence, you’re wasting electricity if you’re running a refrigerator without any food inside. However, you may have to do it sometimes.
You can run a refrigerator when it’s empty, but it’s better to turn it off if you won’t use it for 2 weeks or more to save energy and prolong your refrigerator’s lifespan. Switching it off warms the cold compressor, so don’t switch your fridge on and off multiple times in a day or week, as that could damage the compressor.
According to MIT, refrigerator compressors shouldn’t abruptly expand or contract. Thus, it’s best not to turn them on and off frequently.
If you have to do it, ensure there’s a load of food in the fridge, so the compressor doesn’t have to work as hard.
You should unplug your appliance when you’re going on vacation or away for an extended period of time. It’ll help save energy and money and prevent potential hazards while you’re away.
What Happens If You Leave an Empty Refrigerator Running?
You’re not doing any direct harm by leaving your fridge running when it’s empty. However, it is a waste of electricity, and you could be racking up an unexpectedly high utility bill.
If you’re going to be away for an extended time, it’s best to unplug your fridge to prevent unnecessary power consumption.
The energy consumption of the average refrigerator is about 100-200 watts. If a fridge is left empty, the compressor will run unnecessarily, using more energy. Moreover, a full fridge will maintain its temperature better than an empty one.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the compressor is the most expensive part of the fridge to replace. It operates more efficiently when the fridge is full because the compressor doesn’t have to work as hard to maintain the cold temperature.
So, you might be shortening the lifespan of your fridge if you’re leaving it empty and running.
Why Does an Empty Fridge and Freezer Use More Energy?
Water has a very high latent heat of fusion, meaning it takes lots of energy to change it from a liquid to a solid, or vice versa. Your fridge and freezer are working hard to constantly maintain a water vapor barrier between the inside and outside air.
When there’s less water vapor inside the fridge, especially when it’s empty, that barrier isn’t as effective. Thus, your fridge has to work harder to maintain its internal temperature.
The same principle applies to freezers. A full freezer is more efficient because the food inside acts as insulation, helping to keep the cold air in and the warm air out. An empty freezer has less insulating power, so it has to work harder to stay cold.
But there are other factors at play, too.
For example, an empty fridge is more likely to develop ice buildup on the evaporator coils. This ice insulates the coils and makes it harder for the fridge to release cold air. As a result, the fridge has to work even harder to maintain its internal temperature, using even more energy.
The same is true for freezers. Ice buildup on the coils makes it harder for the freezer to release cold air, so it has to work harder and use more energy.
How Much Does It Cost To Run an Empty Refrigerator?
Did you know that empty fridges consume more energy than packed ones? If you think about it, it makes sense. After all, an empty fridge is basically a big box full of air. And we all know that air doesn’t conduct heat very well.
So how much does it cost to run an empty fridge? Well, the answer depends on a few factors.
Refrigerators consume maximum capacity power when they’re running while empty. Refrigerators vary in power consumption ratings, depending on the size and technological features.
A typical family refrigerator rated 150 watts consumes about 36KWh per month, but habits of running it when empty could mildly surge it to about 40KWh.
You’re already not being the most strategic about power use in this context. So, we’re assuming your typical refrigerator consumes 40KWh per month.
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the average residential cost for every kilowatt-hour is $0.1375. However, some states like Massachusetts and Rhode Island levy high rates of $0.243/KWh and $0.2511/KWh respectively.
Some states offer rates as low as:
- North Dakota- $0.0935/KWh
- Alabama- $0.0979
- Washington- $0.1007
You can check the average rate in your state here.
Hence, the costs depend on the city and state of residence. However, the power consumption of a typical model will cost an average of $11 in monthly utility bills.
Remember, you also prolong the lifespan of your appliance if you unplug it off once in a while!
Should You Unplug a Refrigerator When There’s Nothing Inside?
The answer to this question is a bit more complicated than a simple yes or no. The truth is, it depends on a few factors. Let’s explore these factors so you can make the best decision for your situation.
While the cost of running an empty refrigerator isn’t exorbitant, it’s still something to consider.
Another factor to consider is the impact on the environment. Refrigerators use Freon, which is a chlorofluorocarbon (CFC). CFCs are bad for the environment because they contribute to the depletion of the ozone layer.
So, if you’re trying to be as eco-friendly as possible, you may want to unplug your fridge when it’s empty.
Finally, also consider the impact on your food. The food inside will start to spoil when a fridge is unplugged. If you have a lot of food in your fridge, this could be a big problem.
It may not be a big deal to turn it off for a little while when you don’t have much food in your fridge.
Moreover, don’t unplug your fridge for just a day or two and then power it with just a little load of food and beverages. If you’re going to unplug it, leave it unplugged for longer.
How Long Can You Leave an Empty Refrigerator Unplugged?
Consider the amount of food stored and its condition before unplugging your refrigerator. If the food is close to its expiration date, it’s best to consume or discard it before unplugging your fridge.
Ensure to consume or discard perishable items before unplugging your refrigerator, including:
- Milk
- Eggs
- Meat
After you unplug the refrigerator, typical foods will last the following amount of time before spoiling:
- Butter or Margarine – two weeks
- Hard Cheese – six to eight weeks
- Opened Jam, Jelly, or Preserves – three months
- Fresh Fruit – two days
- Vegetables like carrots, celery, and broccoli – four to five days
These are by no means any recommendations and should not be thought of as such. The time it takes for food to spoil will vary depending on different factors. Therefore, you should always inspect any food you’re unsure about before you consume it.
If you do not plan to use the refrigerator for a period longer than two days, it is best to clean it and leave the door ajar. You don’t want to encourage mold and mildew from forming.
My Fridge Was Unplugged, and Now It Won’t Work
Keep calm even if your fridge was unplugged for some time, and now it won’t work. Check to see if the power cord is plugged into a working outlet.
If the outlet is operational, check the circuit breaker or fuse box. Simply reset it and plug in the refrigerator again if the circuit breaker or fuse has tripped.
The compressor may be faulty if your fridge still won’t work. In this case, it’s best to consult a professional for refrigerator repair.
A refrigerator is a long-term investment, and you want to ensure it has a lengthy lifespan. With proper care and maintenance, your fridge will continue to keep your food cold for years to come.
Should a Refrigerator Be Kept Full?
Most food experts recommend that you keep your refrigerator three-quarters full. A full fridge is more energy-efficient than an empty one, but some free space is necessary for efficient air circulation.
Filling up your fridge can impede the circulation of cold air. Ultimately, it will cause your food to spoil more quickly.
So strike a balance: enough food to keep things humming along efficiently, but not so much that your fridge turns into a cluttered mess.
Do you tend to keep your refrigerator full or relatively empty? Let us know why in the comments below?