Does a refrigerator run better, full or empty?

Author: Imelda Nolan  |  Last update: Friday, July 4, 2025

We know a refrigerator doesn't work best when it's overstuffed. However, we know it won't work well being empty either. Food absorbs the cold air, which helps to chill the food next to it. When the refrigerator is too empty, the appliance is working very hard (and costing you money) just to cool a few items.

Is a refrigerator more efficient, full or empty?

It's cool that you want to keep your fridge humming efficiently, but the amount of food you store in it doesn't matter. “A full refrigerator doesn't decrease energy use,” says researcher Jacob Talbot of the nonprofit American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE).

How to make your fridge run more efficiently?

You can improve your fridge's efficiency by 20-30% by adding a fan to cool the compressor, which is usually located behind the fridge, The fridge is usually placed against a wall in such a way, that there is only a little space around the compressor and the cooling grid.

Does a fridge need to be full to work?

Keeping the refrigerator and freezer full can also help regulate the temperature inside. If they aren't full, try putting bags of ice in the freezer, or pitchers of cold water in the fridge.

Does it cost more to run an empty refrigerator?

An Empty Fridge Could Actually Cost You. Here's Why. It might seem like keeping your fridge empty can be a big money saver, but unfortunately, it has the opposite effect. This is because the components that keep your fridge running, like the compressor, have to compensate for the lack of mass inside.

Is it better to keep a fridge full or empty?

How to save electricity on a refrigerator?

Keeping fridge and freezer energy costs down
  1. Choose an efficient unit. If you're reading this ahead of buying a new fridge, prioritise efficiency. ...
  2. Check the seals. ...
  3. Fill without overfilling. ...
  4. Check your temperature settings. ...
  5. Let hot things cool first. ...
  6. Use your fridge as a defroster. ...
  7. Don't let frost build up. ...
  8. Keep the door closed.

Is it cheaper to run a freezer full or empty?

A freezer will run more efficiently when full. This is because it doesn't have to work as hard to cool down the internal temperature. It is therefore cheaper to run a freezer that is full. Do old freezers use more electricity?

Is a fridge freezer more efficient when full?

Their representative told us: “A freezer full of food should maintain its temperature better than an empty one”—with “lower temperature fluctuations when the door is opened.” As they explained, though: “[Y]ou also need to get that food cold in the first place, which will take a lot more energy than cooling air.”

Is it OK to leave an empty refrigerator running?

If you are going to be away for a month or less, we recommend the following: Leave the refrigerator running. Leave the temperature controls at the normal settings. If all the food is removed and you want to save energy, the temperature control may be set to a warmer temperature setting during the absence.

What is the best fridge temperature?

Most experts recommend that the ideal temperature setting for a refrigerator is between 35-38°F (1.6-3.3°C). This temp ensures food safety by giving a 2-5 degree buffer in case the temperature gauge isn't wholly accurate.

How many hours a day should a refrigerator run?

For example, most people have units that operate (or “run”) for about eight total hours per day. But, if you do things like clean the coils, position the appliance correctly, keep it well-maintained, and set the right temperature, you can reduce the amount of time it runs to less than eight hours per day.

What is the most efficient setting for a refrigerator?

The ideal fridge temperature is between 0°C and 5°C.

This means that a lot of people have their fridge temperature set too high. You may think that your fridge is already set to the right temperature. Some fridges don't even offer you the ability to go over 5 degrees!

Is it normal for a refrigerator to run a lot?

Your fridge should run from around 35% of the day to around 85% of the day. A refrigerator that gets opened more frequently has to operate more often to lower the temperature of warmer items, so this amount varies. However, no fridge should run all the time.

What makes a refrigerator more efficient?

ENERGY STAR-certified refrigerators offer high performance features such as high-efficiency compressors that create less heat and use less energy, improved insulation that helps food stay cold, and temperature and defrost mechanisms that help the refrigerator operate more efficiently.

How long do fridges last?

According to the 23rd annual portrait of the U.S. appliance industry, standard refrigerators usually last anywhere from 10 to 18 years, with an average life expectancy of 14 years. Compact refrigerator lifespan is even shorter, ranging from 4 to 12 years with an average life expectancy of 8 years.

Does a RV fridge work better full or empty?

Don't pack it completely full

RV fridges work best when they have some empty space for air to circulate. To help out, consider using a small battery-operated fan to cool things more evenly inside the fridge.

Is it better to keep a fridge full or empty?

The optimum amount of food to fill in the fridge is three-quarters full. At this amount, there's enough space for the air to circulate freely inside and, at the same time, sufficient food to help each item cool its neighbour down.

How long can a fridge be off before it goes bad?

As the USDA notes in Keeping Food Safe During an Emergency, your refrigerator will keep food safe for up to 4 hours during a power outage. Keep the door closed as much as possible. Discard refrigerated perishable food such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and leftovers after 4 hours without power.

Is it OK to unplug the refrigerator every night?

The answer is no. The temperature of a refrigerator needs to be maintained at a certain level, and if you unplug it, the temperature inside drastically changes leading to many problems. Even when not in use at night, it is best left plugged in to preserve the quality of the food stored inside.

How can I make my fridge consume less electricity?

9 Ways to Make Your Refrigerator More Efficient
  1. Take Its Temperature. Check the temperature of your refrigerator and freezer with a thermometer. ...
  2. Clean the Coils. Clean the condenser coils at least once a year. ...
  3. Don't Forget to Defrost. ...
  4. Regulate Room Temperature. ...
  5. Sweat & Save. ...
  6. Make Room. ...
  7. Test the Seals. ...
  8. Practice Smart Habits.

Does a refrigerator stay colder when it is full?

The amount of food that you have inside your refrigerator does matter to its efficiency. An empty refrigerator doesn't stay cool as easily as one that has the right amount of products inside, while a refrigerator that is too full won't cool the contents as easily.

What do ice crystals mean on frozen food?

If there are small ice crystals, this shows that the food has lost its moisture. If the ice crystals are very large, this may indicate that the meat has thawed and refrozen, meaning that it is likely to spoil.

Do fridges use less power when full?

Keep it stocked

A full fridge is a happy fridge because the thermal mass of its contents helps maintain the temperature (or in other words, the cold stuff helps keep it cold). In a full fridge, the compressor won't need to cycle on and off as much, which will extend the life of the compressor and reduce running costs.

Will a fridge get cold with nothing in it?

Food absorbs the cold air, which helps to chill the food next to it. When the refrigerator is too empty, the appliance is working very hard (and costing you money) just to cool a few items. You may find you empty refrigerator not cold enough, or you could find delicate items (i.e., lettuce) freezing.

Previous article
How to get brown out of sheets?
Next article
What is the most common type of plant propagation?