How Many Watts Does a Freezer Use? - Freezer Power Consumption

You see plenty of wattage estimates for refrigerators but none for freezers. It’s a shame since you wanted to purchase a freezer. So, how many watts does a freezer use?

In this article, we will help you figure out the average freezer wattage consumption and how to calculate freezer power consumption. We will also tackle things that affect freezer power usage and tips to lessen freezer power consumption.

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Average Freezer & Refrigerator Wattage Consumption

A freezer uses 300 to 700 watts, depending on the size and model year. For example, a 13 cubic foot frost-free freezer consumes around 300 watts, while a 20 cubic foot chest freezer utilizes 350 watts. An older model of a freezer will consume more than a newer freezer model.

Which saves more electricity? It can’t exactly be said that a freezer will save more electricity than a refrigerator because that’ll depend on how you use your appliance and your freezer or refrigerator size. Generally, whichever serves you best will actually save you more electricity consumption in the long run because it’s serving its purpose at its size.
Where can you see the wattage information of a freezer? When you first buy a freezer, refrigerator, or any appliance, you’ll see a sticker that has its power ratings. You can see its wattage and power consumption estimates there. However, you can also look for your freezer’s nameplate instead. It’s stamped at the back or bottom part of the freezer, and you’ll see the maximum wattage power there.
Does a freezer always use the wattage indicated on its label? A freezer will not always use the wattage consumption indicated on its label. Remember, a freezer has customization settings, such as high, medium, and low cool. Others may even have temperature regulation functions. Whichever settings you choose will affect your overall wattage and power consumption.

Calculating Freezer Consumption

To figure out how much a freezer is consuming in terms of electric bills, follow these steps:

Start by dividing the freezer’s wattage by 1000.
Multiply your result by how many hours you have the freezer turned on.
Multiply your new result by the price per kilowatt of electricity in your state.

To figure out the price per kilowatt of electricity in your area, visit your electrical company’s website or look at your electric bill. They should have it in there.

Things That Affect Freezer Electricity Usage

The most common culprits that affect freezer power usage are its size, location, type, usage, temperature setpoint, age, condition, and the season. When combined, all of these factors will significantly influence your electric bill:

Size: The larger your freezer, the more power it’ll consume.
Location: If you place your freezer in a poorly ventilated area or a warm or hot place, it’ll consume more power.
Type: The type of your freezer determines how much power it’ll draw.
Usage: If you’re always opening the freezer or if the freezer is almost always empty, it’ll use more energy as well.
Temperature: Some freezers come with temperature control, and if you choose a lower temperature as its set point, then it’ll draw on more power to maintain that temperature.
Age: Newer freezer models generally consume less energy compared to older models.
Condition: If your freezer is worn out and has lids that allow air to come out and leak, it’ll use up more power since most of the coldness is going outside.
Season: Summer always equates to higher power consumption compared to winter.

How to Lessen Freezer Power Consumption

If you’re conscious about consuming too much power with your freezer, you can take measures to reduce your freezer’s power consumption. They’re simple, easy, and uncomplicated. They include picking the right location for your freezer, cleaning your freezer, setting the right temperature for your freezer, and defrosting your freezer.

Pick the right location for your freezer. The best place for your freezer is the coldest possible place in your house. It needs to be away from heat sources like direct sunlight or the oven.
Ensure that your freezer is adequately ventilated. This will prevent future breakdowns and overheating. It’ll also lessen your power consumption since overheating can cause higher energy consumption. So, don’t block openings meant to allow airflow, and don’t place your freezer too close to the wall either.
Take note of your freezer’s climate class. Most freezers have a label that indicates the climate it was built for. These labels are letters N, SN, ST, and T.
- N means your freezer won’t be that efficient if it’s in an environment with a temperature lower than 16°C (60.8°F).
- SN indicates that your freezer won’t be that efficient in any place with a temperature below 10°C (50°F).
- ST means your freezer will work well in an environment with a temperature of 18°C (64.4°F) to 38°C (100°F).
- T indicates that your freezer will work well in any place with a temperature of 18°C (64.4°F) to 43°C (109.4°F).
Set the right temperature setpoint. The most optimal temperature for a freezer is about -18°C (-0.4°F). If you increase by a Celsius higher, your power consumption will increase by 5 to 10 percent.
Replace your freezer’s door seals if necessary. If you’re noticing that your freezer’s door seals don’t work as efficiently as before anymore, it’ll be wise to replace them. This will save you from consuming a lot of energy and grant you a higher level of freezer efficiency.
Regularly clean your freezer. By regularly, this means you need to clean your freezer at least once every three months. Likewise, clean its outside part, too. Wipe the edges and the dusty coils. If you look underneath it, a layer of dust will be there by then as well.
Fill the freezer at least ¾ full. Of course, if your freezer barely has anything on it, you’ll be cooling empty space rather than food. So, the most optimal level of frozen goods your freezer should have is at least three-quarters of its capacity.
Do some defrosting on your freezer at least once a year. This is to ensure that ice doesn’t build up. An ice buildup can increase your freezer’s power consumption by 10 percent. Likewise, an ice buildup will make it harder for your freezer to efficiently and properly function.
Inspect your freezer for signs of trouble at least twice a year. Checking your freezer for possible issues is a great way of preventing an unnecessarily high future power consumption. Broken freezers will always consume more power than freezers without any issues.

Final Thoughts

A freezer consumes 300 to 700 watts. If it’s a 13 cubic foot frost-free freezer, it’ll use up around 300 watts, while a 20 cubic foot freezer will cost 350 watts. Generally, the newer versions of freezers have lower power consumption than the older generations.

You can find the wattage of your freezer by looking for its nameplate and checking its power rating. However, note that the wattage consumption of a freezer isn’t the only determining factor in how much energy an appliance consumed.