Should You Keep Your Refrigerator On 24 Hours? Know the Right Way to Save Electricity

Confused about whether to keep your fridge running 24 hours or switch it off for a few hours? Find out how refrigerators work, the truth about electricity savings, and expert tips here.

Summer is here, and so are higher electricity bills.

In most homes, fans, coolers, air conditioners, and refrigerators run non-stop during the hot months, leading to increased power consumption. Among the many questions that arise, a common one is whether refrigerators should be kept running 24 hours a day or turned off for 1-2 hours to save electricity. If you’ve been wondering about this, here’s everything you need to know.

Should the Refrigerator Be Switched Off for a Few Hours?

During summer, discussions often revolve around whether refrigerators need to run continuously or if they can be turned off for short periods to conserve power. Many people assume that turning off the fridge for 1-2 hours could lead to lower electricity bills. However, this belief is not entirely accurate.

The primary function of a refrigerator is to keep food fresh 24/7. Therefore, it is specifically designed to operate continuously without causing any harm to the appliance. Turning the refrigerator off for short durations does not significantly save electricity and may even cause more harm than good.

How Does a Refrigerator Work?

A refrigerator acts like a cooling chamber where cold air circulates to keep food from spoiling. The compressor inside the fridge works as long as it receives electricity, maintaining the necessary cool temperature. Interestingly, refrigerators are engineered in such a way that even after switching off, they remain cold for a considerable amount of time.

Can a Refrigerator Be Switched Off for 1-2 Hours?

Experts advise against turning off your refrigerator for 1-2 hours daily to save electricity. If the fridge is turned off frequently, it can affect its cooling efficiency, leading to spoilage of perishable items like milk and dairy products. Moreover, today’s modern refrigerators come equipped with auto-cut features that automatically stop the compressor once the desired temperature is achieved, significantly aiding in power saving.

Thus, manually switching off the fridge for a few hours is unnecessary and ineffective.

When Is It Okay to Turn Off the Refrigerator?

You should only consider turning off your refrigerator if you are planning to be away from home for an extended period, like going on a vacation. Before switching off, make sure to empty the fridge completely. However, if you are stepping out just for a few hours, there is no need to turn it off.

Conclusion

Refrigerators are designed to run continuously, and switching them off for 1-2 hours does not lead to significant electricity savings.
Modern refrigerators are already equipped with energy-saving features that optimize power consumption. For better efficiency, keep your refrigerator running without frequent manual interruptions.