I would like to know if keeping the switch of the refrigerator will do harm to the unit ?

Question

Dear all, there was an error while typed my question. Hence I am rephrasing my question as follows :"I would like to know keeping the power off of the fridge for a given period every day (for saving energy) will do harm to the unit ?"

Answer 1

First = the answer to your question is No, it will not harm your refrigerator in any way, but if you happen to forget to turn it back on, you could have a lot of spoiled food and a big mess to clean up. Food stored in a refrigerator should be maintained at specific temperature ranges to insure safety.

The amount of energy savings is almost negligible. Here's why = A typical domestic refrigerator uses about 3-5amps of power while it's compressor is running. To get watts of power, simply multiply watts X voltage. 5 amps and 125 volts = 625watts or .625kilowatts. Your electric company charges you so much per kilowatt hour, say 10 cents? So if it costs you 10 cents per kwh, and your refrigerator uses .625 kwh of energy that means it'll cost you 6.25 cents for each hour your refrigerator is operating. It has temperature controls to maintain a constant temperature so it probably runs about 25 - 30% percent of the time. (8 hours per day) So 8 X $.0625 = $0.50 per day. So,, if you turn it off for 4 hours, and it was going to be off 66% of the time anyway, how much will you save?

Answer 2

Less energy is required to maintain temp in the fridge than to lower the temp after it has risen from being disconnected. The expense is in operation of the compressor: the higher the temp is inside the box, the longer the compressor operates to reach appropriate temp, the more energy used. To save energy set the fridge and freezer temp controls to higher temp settings (a lower number on the dial).

Answer 3

You'd be better off keeping your refrigerator coils clean, properly stocking your refrigerator and keeping the doors closed as much as possible, than turning off your refrigerator every day.

Properly stocking means keeping the freezer full (more bulk means keeping items frozen better) and the refrigerator open for good air circulation--don't overload. Don't allow open liquids in the refrigerator, cover them. Allow hot foods to cool somewhat before placing into the refrigerator (with an eye towards food safety, you can't let the food reach room temperature).

If you have an old refrigerator that accumulates frost, clean it often.

Answer 4

The amount of energy saved would be negligible next to the cost of the food you'd have to throw away after it goes bad, from forgetting to plug the fridge back in! Today's fridges are very energy-efficient, so get one if possible.

Answer 5

That might do more harm to the food than to the fridge.
You can really check the energy savings by reading your electric meter before and after the times you intend to try your experiment; Then during the experiment do the same. That will tell you the consumption before and after for comparison.Then ask your electricity provider about the consequent 'wear and tear' on the fridge. (I predict they will tell you it is minimal.
They will also - if you ask - give you a 'quick and dirty' run-through on reading your meter which is simple but unfamiliar to most people. (You read the dials right -to-left but write them left to right.)
I hope this helps and that you report back on the outcome.
End of litany; pour me a drink.

Answer 6

You'll incraease you energy bill for the compressor has to again every time you tun it on work hard to get the right temperature esp in the freezer or do you not use the freeezer---I honestly never heard of anyone doing this------since you are overusing the Compressor it will wear out way before its time and unless you have a service policy very expensive to replace

Answer 7

Hi, Unless you are not using this refrigerator to keep food in, WHY would you even think of cutting it off? you certainly wouldn't be saving money and it is not safe for keeping food.

If it is NOT begining used to store food there is no problem with turning it off completely. A note for FYI if you sprinlke dry coffee inside the refregerator and freezer it will absorb the moisture inside and prevent mold & mildew from forming a box of baking soda will keep it from smelling.

Answer 8

This will not save energy. It will cost you energy. the fridge will have to run more to cool down again. The fridge doesn't run all day anyway. It turns on from time to time to maintain the preset temp.

Answer 9

Need to rephrase your question--what switch?
If you are talking about the switch to save energy by turning off the heating element on the outside that reduces moisture build up--turn it off unless you do live in a humid area.

Answer 10

Keep the switch,How could that possibly harm the unit.