The cost of running a freezer per month depends on several factors, such as the size, type, age, and efficiency of the freezer, as well as the electricity rate in your area. On average, a freezer consumes about 41.69 watts of power and costs about $3.77 per month to operate in the U.S.
A freezer is a useful appliance that can help you store food for longer periods of time and save money on groceries. However, a freezer also consumes electricity and adds to your energy bill. How much does it cost to run a freezer per month? And how can you reduce the cost of running a freezer? In this article, we will answer these questions and provide some tips on how to choose and use a freezer efficiently.
The cost of running a freezer per month is calculated by multiplying the power consumption of the freezer (in kilowatt-hours or kWh) by the electricity rate in your area (in cents per kWh). The power consumption of the freezer depends on several factors, such as:
Size: The larger the freezer, the more power it consumes. A 13 cubic foot frost-free freezer uses about 300 watts of power, while a 20 cubic foot chest freezer uses about 350 watts.
Type: The type of freezer affects how much power it draws. A chest freezer is more energy-efficient than an upright freezer because it has more insulation and less cold air loss when opened. A frost-free freezer is more convenient than a manual defrost freezer, but it also uses more power because it has a fan and a heater to prevent ice buildup.
Age: The older the freezer, the less efficient it is. A freezer that is more than 10 years old may use twice as much power as a new freezer with the same size and type.
Efficiency: The efficiency of the freezer is measured by its energy factor (EF), which is the amount of energy (in kWh) needed to freeze one pound of food in 24 hours. The higher the EF, the more efficient the freezer. The EF of freezers ranges from 0.5 to 1.5, depending on the size and type of the freezer.
Electricity rate: The electricity rate in your area is the price you pay for each kWh of electricity you use. The electricity rate varies by state, season, and time of day. The average residential electricity rate in the U.S. is 16.21 cents per kWh, as of January 2024.
How to Calculate the Cost of Running a Freezer Per Month
To calculate the cost of running a freezer per month, you need to know the power consumption of the freezer and the electricity rate in your area. You can find the power consumption of the freezer on its nameplate, which is usually located at the back or bottom of the freezer. The nameplate will show the maximum wattage of the freezer, which is the amount of power it uses when it is running at full capacity. However, the freezer does not always run at full capacity, as it cycles on and off to maintain the desired temperature. Therefore, the actual power consumption of the freezer is lower than the maximum wattage.
To estimate the actual power consumption of the freezer, you can use the following formula:
Actual power consumption (in watts) = Maximum wattage x Duty cycle
The duty cycle is the percentage of time that the freezer runs in a day. The duty cycle depends on the type, size, and condition of the freezer, as well as the ambient temperature and how often the freezer is opened. The duty cycle of freezers ranges from 10% to 50%, with an average of 30%.
For example, if you have a 15 cubic foot frost-free freezer that has a maximum wattage of 300 watts and a duty cycle of 30%, the actual power consumption of the freezer is:
Actual power consumption = 300 x 0.3 = 90 watts
To convert the actual power consumption from watts to kWh, you need to divide it by 1000 and multiply it by the number of hours the freezer runs in a day. Assuming the freezer runs 24 hours a day, the daily power consumption of the freezer is:
Daily power consumption (in kWh) = (Actual power consumption / 1000) x 24
Daily power consumption = (90 / 1000) x 24 = 2.16 kWh
To calculate the monthly power consumption of the freezer, you need to multiply the daily power consumption by the number of days in a month. Assuming 30 days in a month, the monthly power consumption of the freezer is:
Monthly power consumption (in kWh) = Daily power consumption x 30
Monthly power consumption = 2.16 x 30 = 64.8 kWh
To calculate the cost of running the freezer per month, you need to multiply the monthly power consumption by the electricity rate in your area. Assuming the average electricity rate of 16.21 cents per kWh, the cost of running the freezer per month is:
Cost of running the freezer per month (in dollars) = Monthly power consumption x Electricity rate
Cost of running the freezer per month = 64.8 x 0.1621 = $10.50
How to Reduce the Cost of Running a Freezer
The cost of running a freezer per month may seem insignificant, but it can add up over time. If you want to save money and energy, here are some tips on how to reduce the cost of running a freezer:
Choose the right size and type of freezer: Before buying a new freezer, consider how much food you need to store and how often you access the freezer. A chest freezer is more energy-efficient than an upright freezer, but it also takes up more floor space and makes it harder to find items. A frost-free freezer is more convenient than a manual defrost freezer, but it also uses more power. Choose the smallest and most efficient freezer that suits your needs and preferences.
Look for the Energy Star label: The Energy Star label is a certification that indicates that the freezer meets the energy efficiency standards set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). An Energy Star freezer can save you up to 10% on your energy bill compared to a standard freezer.
Maintain the freezer properly: A well-maintained freezer can run more efficiently and last longer. Clean the coils and seals of the freezer regularly to remove dust and dirt that can reduce the heat transfer and cause air leaks. Defrost the freezer periodically if it is not frost-free, as ice buildup can reduce the cooling capacity and increase the power consumption. Check the temperature of the freezer and adjust it as needed, as a lower temperature can increase the power consumption. The recommended temperature for a freezer is 0°F or -18°C.
Place the freezer in a cool and ventilated location: The location of the freezer can affect its performance and power consumption. Avoid placing the freezer in direct sunlight, near heat sources, or in unconditioned spaces, such as a garage or basement, as these can make the freezer work harder to maintain the temperature. Place the freezer in a cool and ventilated location, with at least 3 inches of clearance on all sides for proper air circulation.
Fill the freezer with frozen food: A full freezer is more energy-efficient than an empty freezer, as frozen food can help maintain the temperature and reduce the air circulation. However, do not overfill the freezer, as this can block the vents and prevent the cold air from reaching all areas. Leave some space between the items and the walls of the freezer for optimal cooling. If you have a lot of empty space in the freezer, you can fill it with water bottles or ice packs to act as thermal mass.
Minimize the opening and closing of the freezer: Every time you open and close the freezer, you let out some cold air and let in some warm air, which makes the freezer work harder to restore the temperature. Minimize the opening and closing of the freezer by organizing the items and labeling them, so you can find what you need quickly and easily. Also, avoid putting hot or warm food in the freezer, as this can raise the temperature and increase the power consumption. Let the food cool down first before freezing it.
The cost of running a freezer per month depends on several factors, such as the size, type, age, and efficiency of the freezer, as well as the electricity rate in your area. On average, a freezer consumes about 41.69 watts of power and costs about $3.77 per month to operate in the U.S. You can reduce the cost of running a freezer by choosing the right size and type of freezer, looking for the Energy Star label, maintaining the freezer properly, placing the freezer in a cool and ventilated location, filling the freezer with frozen food, and minimizing the opening and closing of the freezer. By following these tips, you can save money and energy, and enjoy the benefits of having a freezer.
