How many Amps does a Fridge Use? (+ Cost to Run a Fridge)

It is compulsory to know about all the living expenses and keep a track of them which includes the electricity bill. When we think about the contribution of the appliances that are used at home, a fridge is the only appliance that is used and runs all day. So in order to know how many amps a fridge use you should continue to read this article. As it will guide you in detail about the average used by the refrigerator, how to calculate it and what is the cost to run a fridge.

How many amps does a fridge use? 

When we compare all the home appliances, a Fridge is one of the devices which is used irregularly and consumes a high amount of electricity. So it is understandable that the power consumption of the Fridge on average is 725 watts used at 120 volts and it computes to an average of 6.04 amps

  • The Amperage used by a normal Fridge is up to 6 to 7 amps on average.
  • The amperage used by a model of a Fridge that has a higher voltage is around 10 amps
Fridge
Fridge

In the case of running any type of Fridge, the lower-wattage refrigerator or a higher-wattage Fridge, it is required to have a dedicated circuit for the fridge.

Let’s learn about different sorts of Fridge that will help you to decide which one is best to use in your home.

  • Amperage
  • Wattage
  • Voltage power supply
  • Types of refrigerators. 

Amperage:

The amperage number shows the strength of the current flowing through the circuit. It is measured in amperes or amps. There is a risk if the emperor level is higher as it may melt the wires and many other electrical problems will arrive.

Wattage:

A wattage is a number that shows the amount of power a device is using. In the case of a fridge, the wattage consumption is more during the startup compared to the stage when the fridge is running steadily. 

Voltage power supply:

A voltage power supply shows the electrical output of a circuit. On average, a typical household in the US does have a voltage power supply of 110 volts in order to use general appliances like a TV, toaster, fridge Microwave, and many more. There are also dedicated circuits that require a power supply of up to 240 volts to run high-powered appliances such as air conditioners, ranges, and many more.

Fridge
Fridge

What are the factors that are affecting the power use of fridge?

The following are the factors affecting the power use of fridge:

  • Type 
  • Size 
  • Location 
  • Season 
  • Usage
  • Temperature set point
  • Age 
  • Condition 

Type

The type of fridge is an important factor affecting the power, for example, if compare the commercial display fridge with the bar fridge which is used at home, it consumes 20 times more power than it.

Size

A fridge that is larger in size obviously will consume more power than a small-size fridge. for example, side by side fridge uses more power than others.

Location:

A fridge that is used in a location where there is no source of ventilation or it is a warm area than there the fridge will use more power.

Season:

The season also affects the power consumption of a fridge if we compare the electricity used in summer with a fridge and winter, the electricity use will be more in summer.

Usage:

A fridge is used every time and the door of the fridge is open again and again or held open so in that case, the compressor has to work hard to keep things cool and will use more power for it.

Temperature set point:

The temperature setting also affects the power used by a fridge if it used a factory setting the fridge will remain cool than needed.

Age:

While comparing the old fridge with new fridge they are less energy efficient thus consumes more power.

Condition:

The condition of the fridge also decides whether it consumes more power or less if the properly fridge is properly sealed it will be more efficient than a fridge seal which is poor condition. 

Fridge
Fridge

What amount does it cost to run a fridge? 

The cost of running a fridge depends upon various factors like the model of the fridge, the size, setting, duration of use, and how much is the rate of energy in that location.

Fridge
Fridge
  • The cost of running a fridge for an hour is approximately $0.71.
  • On average the cost of running a fridge is up to $57.66 per year
  • On average a fridge uses 166 kWh of electricity per year and which costs $48.46.

How to calculate an amperage? 

Step 1:

Firstly look at the energy star rating which is labeled on the Fridge. For example, a Samsung Fridge does have an energy star label on the appliances which do explain all the information about the units and contains a calculation of the energy consumption by the model.

Step 2:

If a Fridge does not have any energy star rating we can use an energy meter which will help to measure the voltage and kWh of the appliances. 

Step 3:

We can also calculate the amperage by using the formula:

The number of voltage divided by voltage = amperage. 

For example, if a refrigerator of voltage 7 to 5 is divided by a Fridge having 120 volts of power supply gives a result of 6.04 amps.

Conclusion:

The amperage used by a normal fridge and a higher voltage fridge is 6 to 7 amps and 10 amps respectively. From the above article, you will get to know how to calculate the amperage. 

FAQ’s

How many amps does a full-size refrigerator use? 

A full-size refrigerator uses from 15 to 20 amps having a 120-volt dedicated circuit. 

What are the appliances that draw the most amps? 

The appliances that use the most amps are hair dryers, electric space heaters, air conditioners, and many more. 

Rick Costa

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