Have you been suspecting your fridge as the appliance that consumes the most energy in your home? That may not always be the case! We’re Teko.ph, the largest aircon, appliance, and computer services provider in the Philippines, with a brief yet easy-to-understand explanation about refrigerator energy consumption.
Refrigerator Energy Consumption: How It Works
Your ref is like a tiny air conditioner, using electricity to pump cool air inside and keep your food fresh. But just like any appliance, this process takes energy measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). Remember: The higher the kWh, the more energy it uses.
In addition, the amount of energy your fridge consumes may also depend on a few things:
- Size: Bigger refrigerators generally use more energy to cool a larger space. If you’re a single person or a small household, a large fridge might be more than you need.
- Age: Older fridges, like any other appliance, tend to be less efficient. Newer fridges use smarter technology and better insulation to keep things cool with less energy.
- Usage: Do you like to constantly open the door? That lets warm air in, forcing the fridge to work harder to cool down again. Plus, if it is packed too full, it can block airflow and make it less efficient.
Energy Saving Tips for Refrigerators
Whether you’re buying a new ref or looking to save more with your trusty fridge, here are tips to help you save energy.
- Don’t buy a fridge with a size more than you need.
- Consider a newer model. Look for the energy label and choose one with a high rating for more savings.
- Be mindful when opening the door. Think of what you need to get inside the ref before opening it. And then, grab what you need quickly and shut the door to keep the cool air in.
- Organize the contents of your fridge. Leave some space for air to circulate.
There is a new Philippine Energy Label that you can see in appliances. It’s that yellow sticker in front, that uses a star rating system. More stars indicate better energy efficiency, which translates to lower electricity bills. You can trust this system because it’s based on the Minimum Energy Performance (MEP) set by the Department of Energy. A one-star rating means the fridge meets the minimum standard, while five stars is the most efficient.
Also, you can look for the Energy Efficiency Factor (EEF) number. The higher the number, the more efficient the fridge. If you want to know more, here’s How to Read An Energy Efficiency Rating Label in the Philippines.
