If your fridge and freezer are "off," but you keep them plugged in and use only the water filter, they will consume minimal energy. When you turn off the cooling function of the refrigerator and freezer, the compressor, which is the primary energy-consuming component, will not be running. However, other minor electrical components, such as the lights and the water filter, may still draw a small amount of energy.
The power consumed by these components when the cooling function is off is generally negligible compared to the energy used to cool the refrigerator and freezer. The energy usage for lights and the water filter is usually minimal and can be measured in watts or fractions of a watt.
If you are concerned about saving energy while the fridge and freezer are not actively cooling, you can take some additional steps:
Clean the coils: Dust and dirt on the coils can cause the refrigerator to consume more energy. Periodically cleaning the coils at the back or bottom of the fridge can help it operate more efficiently.
Ensure a good seal: Check the door seals to ensure they are in good condition and seal tightly when closed. A faulty seal can lead to temperature fluctuations and increased energy usage.
Keep the fridge and freezer empty: If possible, empty the contents of the fridge and freezer while they are not actively cooling. This reduces the workload on the cooling system when you turn it back on.
Consider unplugging if not in use: If you won't be using the water filter or other minor functions for an extended period, you may consider unplugging the refrigerator altogether. This will eliminate any standby power consumption from those components.
Remember that even when a refrigerator is "off" and not actively cooling, it's essential to monitor perishable items and food safety. If you plan to leave the fridge and freezer off for an extended period, make sure to remove all perishable items and find alternative cooling solutions if necessary.