For anyone wondering how large a backup battery needs to be to keep a refrigerator running, one homeowner shared the kind of real-world data outage planners are always looking for: On Reddit, the user reported that their 28-cubic-foot Samsung French-door refrigerator used about 1.45 kilowatt-hours over 24 hours while running on backup power.
What happened?
The test asked a straightforward question: How much electricity does a full-size refrigerator actually use during a power outage?
During the 24-hour trial, the fridge ran in UPS mode from a portable power station, sat in a kitchen kept at 76 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit, and was stocked to about 70% full.
According to the OP, power use fell to about 5-7 watts between cooling cycles and climbed to about 135-145 watts when the compressor was running. Over the full day, total consumption reached roughly 1.45 kWh.
For households considering a broader energy upgrade, going solar is one of the best ways to save on home energy costs.
Why does it matter?
Measured results like these can help households avoid two costly mistakes: buying too little backup power and risking spoiled food, or spending more than necessary on a battery system larger than the situation demands.
A 24-hour energy-use figure is especially helpful because many batteries are marketed by total capacity. A refrigerator that uses about 1.45 kWh per day under real conditions offers a much clearer planning target than a sticker that may not reflect how the appliance actually cycles on and off.
What can I do?
If you're getting ready for outages, measure before you buy an appliance. A simple plug-in meter can show how much energy your own refrigerator, freezer, or internet equipment uses under real conditions.
Save $10,000 on solar panels without even sharing your phone number Want to go solar but not sure who to trust? EnergySage has your back with free and transparent quotes from fully vetted providers that can help you save as much as $10k on installation. To get started, just answer a few questions about your home — no phone number required. Within a day or two, EnergySage will email you the best local options for your needs, and their expert advisers can help you compare quotes and pick a winner. |
EnergySage is a great resource for finding the right battery storage setup for you.
Other things you can do to help the power last longer during an outage include keeping the fridge reasonably full and limiting door openings.
Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips, smart advice, and a chance to earn $5,000 toward home upgrades. To see more stories like this one, change your Google preferences here.
