Refrigerators with bottom freezers generally run less compared to those with top freezers. This is because the location of the freezer compartment influences how the refrigerator maintains its cooling temperatures.
In a refrigerator with a top freezer, the freezer compartment is located at the top, and the refrigerator section is at the bottom. The cool air generated by the refrigerator's cooling system, including the evaporator and fan, needs to travel downward to reach the refrigerator section at the bottom. This process requires more energy to circulate the cool air downwards, and as a result, the compressor may need to run more frequently to maintain the desired temperatures in both the freezer and refrigerator compartments.
On the other hand, in refrigerators with bottom freezers, the freezer compartment is located at the bottom, and the refrigerator section is at the top. Cold air naturally sinks, so in this configuration, the cool air in the refrigerator compartment naturally flows downwards to the freezer section. This means that less energy is required to circulate the cool air, leading to a more efficient cooling process. Consequently, refrigerators with bottom freezers often have a better energy efficiency rating and may run less frequently compared to those with top freezers.
It's essential to note that energy efficiency can vary between different models and brands of refrigerators, so it's always a good idea to check the specific Energy Star rating or energy consumption details for a refrigerator you're considering to make an informed decision on its efficiency.