Modern Fridges (2001-2020) have become an essential household appliance in the 21st century. They are used to keep food fresh and safe to eat for a longer time than traditional ways. However, they come with a cost that we pay every month in our electricity bills. In this article, we will discuss the energy consumption, cost, and money-saving tips for using a modern fridge.
How To Use This Calculator
Using this energy calculator is a simple and will help you determine the costs of running your appliance. Click on ‘Calculate’ to use the predefined values, or enter your daily usage in hours, appliance watts, and your current energy costs in dollars. The calculator will provide you with the daily, monthly, and yearly results. It’s important to ensure the accuracy of the information entered to get the most accurate results.
Hours Used Per Day
Enter the number of hours you estimate the appliance will be on throughout the day. To use fractions of an hour please use a decimal point in the form.
For example: 1 hour and 30 mintes would be 1.5, and 3 hours and 15 minutes would be 3.25
Power Used in Watts
The calculator already includes a default average wattage. If your appliance uses a different wattage then enter it in the calculator.
Your Energy Rate in kWh
The calculator includes an average energy rate (price in $/kWh) to use for the calculation. This may not be the exact price that you’re currently paying for electricity. If you know your energy rate please enter your price per kilowatt-hour.
The energy consumption of a modern fridge is measured in watts. The default wattage of the appliance is 400 watts. This means it uses 0.4 kilowatts (kW) of electricity per hour. To calculate the energy usage, we need to multiply the wattage with the number of hours the fridge is on. For example, if the fridge is on for 24 hours, the energy usage would be:
0.4 kW X 24 hours = 9.6 kW hours (kWh)This means that the fridge uses 9.6 kWh of electricity in a day. However, the actual energy consumption may vary depending on the size, age, and usage of the fridge. It is important to check the energy star rating to find an energy-efficient fridge that can save you money.
Importance of Energy Consumption
The energy consumption of the fridge has a significant impact on the environment and our wallets. It is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, which causes climate change. Moreover, it increases our electricity bills, which can be a financial burden for many households. Therefore, it is important to use energy-efficient appliances to reduce the environmental impact and save money on electricity bills.
Cost in Dollars of Energy Usage
To calculate the cost of electricity usage, we need to multiply the energy consumption with the cost per kilowatt-hour (kWh). The default energy price is $0.12/kWh. Using this rate, we can calculate the daily, monthly, and yearly costs of using a modern fridge.
- Daily cost: 9.6 kWh X $0.12/kWh = $1.15/day
- Monthly cost: 9.6 kWh X 30 days X $0.12/kWh = $34.56/month
- Yearly cost: 9.6 kWh X 365 days X $0.12/kWh = $420.48/year
This means that the annual cost of running a modern fridge can add up to a significant amount over time. Therefore, it is important to take measures to reduce the energy consumption and save money on electricity bills.
Money Saving Tips
Here are some money-saving tips for using a modern fridge:
- Choose an Energy Star rated fridge that is energy efficient.
- Keep the fridge away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
- Keep the fridge well-stocked to maintain the temperature.
- Set the temperature to 37°F-40°F for the fridge and 0°F-5°F for the freezer.
- Use a thermometer to check the temperature and adjust the settings accordingly.
- Defrost the freezer regularly to maintain its efficiency.
- Keep the fridge clean and free from dust and debris.
- Use energy-efficient light bulbs in the fridge.
- Replace the fridge door seals if they are damaged or worn out.
- Consider buying a smaller fridge if you do not need a large one.
By following these tips, you can reduce the energy consumption and save money on electricity bills. Moreover, you can contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and protect the environment.
In conclusion, the energy consumption and cost of using a modern fridge are significant. It is important to choose an energy-efficient fridge, follow the tips mentioned above, and raise awareness about the importance of energy conservation to reduce the environmental impact and save money on electricity bills.
