If you’ve never purchased a mini fridge before, you may be wondering how much electricity does it use? After all, most people don’t have to think twice about the amount of power they consume on a daily basis.
Well, a mini fridge does use quite a bit of electricity, but you might be surprised at the actual amount it uses.
The average household uses about 997 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity each month. This is based on the average amount of electricity used by a household with a mini refrigerator. Of course, your mini fridge may use less or more electricity than this figure.
How Much Electricity Does a Mini Fridge Use?
The size of the appliance and the wattage determines how much energy it uses. Here’s a quick guide to what you need to consider before purchasing a new mini fridge.
Size
The bigger the mini fridge, the more energy it consumes. The smallest mini fridge we found online used 1.2 watts of power, while the biggest one we found used 2.7 watts.
Wattage
Most mini fridges are powered by 0.25 to 1.5 watts, depending on their size.
Power Consumption
The higher the wattage, the more energy the mini fridge consumes. For instance, a mini fridge that consumes 1.5 watts of electricity will cost you about $0.24 more per month, on average, than a mini fridge that uses 0.25 watts.
Tips for Reducing Energy Consumption
If you’re concerned about the energy consumption of your mini fridge and want to reduce its electricity usage, here are some practical tips:
- Optimal Temperature Settings: Set the fridge temperature to the recommended range (usually between 35-38°F or 2-3°C) to ensure food safety without excessively cooling the contents. Avoid setting the temperature too low, as it will result in higher energy consumption.
- Proper Placement: Place your mini fridge in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight and other heat sources. Good airflow around the fridge helps maintain its efficiency and reduces the workload on the compressor.
- Smart Organization: Organize your fridge in a way that allows for efficient airflow and easy access to items. Avoid overcrowding the shelves, as this can hinder proper air circulation and force the fridge to work harder to maintain temperature.
- Regular Maintenance: Keep the condenser coils clean and free from dust or debris. Dirty coils can decrease the fridge’s efficiency and lead to higher energy consumption.
- Minimize Door Opening: Be mindful of how frequently and for how long you keep the fridge door open. Opening the door for extended periods or repeatedly can cause the fridge to work harder to cool down, resulting in increased energy usage.
Conclusion:
While the exact energy consumption of a mini fridge varies depending on multiple factors, understanding its energy efficiency rating, using monitoring devices, and following energy-saving tips can help you estimate and reduce its electricity usage. By being mindful of your mini fridge’s energy consumption, you can make informed decisions to save energy and lower your electricity costs.
