If you’re looking for a freezer to store your frozen food, you may be wondering how much electricity it will use and how it will affect your energy bill. Freezers come in different sizes and models, and their power consumption can vary depending on several factors. In this article, we’ll help you figure out how many watts a 7 cubic foot freezer uses and how to calculate its energy cost. We’ll also give you some tips on how to choose an energy-efficient freezer and save money on your electricity.
A 7 cubic foot freezer uses about 189 watts of electricity on average, according to a search on the internet. However, this may vary depending on the type, age, and condition of the freezer. A newer, frost-free model may use less than an older, non-frost-free one. The thermostat setting, the frequency of opening and closing the door, and the ambient temperature can also affect the power consumption of the freezer.
How to Calculate the Energy Cost of a Freezer
To estimate how much it costs to run a 7 cubic foot freezer, you need to know its wattage, the number of hours it operates per day, and the price of electricity in your area. You can find the wattage information on the label or nameplate of the freezer, or you can use an electricity usage monitor to measure it. The number of hours the freezer runs per day depends on how often it cycles on and off to maintain the temperature. The price of electricity varies by state and utility company, but you can check your electric bill or their website for the current rate.
Here are the steps to calculate the energy cost of a 7 cubic foot freezer:
- Divide the wattage by 1000 to get the kilowatt (kW) rating. For example, if the freezer uses 189 watts, divide it by 1000 to get 0.189 kW.
- Multiply the kW rating by the number of hours the freezer runs per day to get the kilowatt-hour (kWh) usage. For example, if the freezer runs for 12 hours per day, multiply 0.189 kW by 12 hours to get 2.268 kWh.
- Multiply the kWh usage by the price of electricity per kWh to get the daily cost. For example, if the price of electricity is $0.12 per kWh, multiply 2.268 kWh by $0.12 to get $0.272.
- Multiply the daily cost by 30 to get the monthly cost. For example, multiply $0.272 by 30 to get $8.16.
How to Choose an Energy-Efficient Freezer
If you want to save money and energy on your freezer, here are some tips on how to choose an energy-efficient model:
- Look for the Energy Star label. This means that the freezer meets or exceeds the federal standards for energy efficiency and performance. Energy Star freezers can save up to 10% more energy than non-Energy Star ones.
- Choose a frost-free model. Frost-free freezers have a fan that circulates cold air and prevents ice buildup inside. This reduces the need for manual defrosting and lowers the power consumption.
- Choose a chest freezer over an upright one. Chest freezers have better insulation and seal than upright ones, which means they keep cold air inside better and run less frequently.
- Choose a smaller size that fits your needs. The bigger the freezer, the more energy it uses. Don’t buy more capacity than you need and avoid wasting space and electricity.
How to Save Energy on Your Freezer
Besides choosing an energy-efficient freezer, you can also take some steps to reduce its power consumption and save money on your electricity bill:
- Keep your freezer full but not too full. A full freezer retains cold air better than an empty one and reduces the need for cooling cycles. However, don’t overfill your freezer as this can block air circulation and cause frost buildup.
- Set your thermostat at the optimal temperature. The recommended temperature for freezers is 0°F (-18°C). Setting it lower than that will increase energy use without any benefit for food quality or safety.
- Keep your freezer away from heat sources and direct sunlight. Placing your freezer near a stove, oven, radiator, or window can make it work harder to keep cool and use more energy.
- Clean and maintain your freezer regularly. Dust and dirt can clog the coils and vents of your freezer and reduce its efficiency. Vacuum or wipe them every few months to keep them clean. Also, check the door seal for any cracks or leaks and replace it if needed.
Conclusion
A 7 cubic foot freezer uses about 189 watts of electricity on average, but this may vary depending on several factors such as type, age, and condition of the freezer. To calculate the energy cost of your freezer, you need to know its wattage, the number of hours it runs per day, and the price of electricity in your area. You can also choose an energy-efficient freezer and follow some tips to save energy and money on your freezer.
