Turning off the fridge and leaving only the freezer running is not a recommended practice and may not save more energy in most cases. Modern refrigerators are designed to work as a complete unit, with the fridge and freezer compartments working together to maintain the desired temperature and humidity levels.
When you turn off the fridge and leave only the freezer running, you create an unbalanced situation, and the freezer will have to work harder to maintain its temperature. This is because the fridge and freezer share a cooling system and removing the fridge's cooling load can cause the freezer to overcompensate, leading to increased energy consumption.
Moreover, opening the freezer door frequently to access food items can lead to a higher rate of warm air entering the freezer. When you have a running fridge, this warm air can be expelled through the condenser coils at the back of the appliance. However, if the fridge is off, the warm air will circulate inside the fridge compartment, making the freezer work even harder to maintain its low temperature.
It's important to note that refrigerators are designed to be energy-efficient when both the fridge and freezer compartments are operational. If you want to save energy, consider the following tips:
Set Optimal Temperature: Ensure the fridge and freezer are set to the recommended temperatures. The fridge compartment should typically be set between 37-40°F (3-4°C), while the freezer should be set at 0°F (-18°C).
Keep the Doors Closed: Minimize the frequency and duration of opening the fridge and freezer doors to reduce energy loss.
Check Door Seals: Regularly inspect and clean the door seals to ensure they are airtight and not allowing warm air to enter.
Properly Organize: Arrange food items to allow proper air circulation inside the fridge and freezer, ensuring the appliance operates efficiently.
Defrost Regularly: If your freezer requires manual defrosting, do so regularly to prevent excessive frost buildup, which can reduce efficiency.
Consider Energy-Efficient Models: If you're in the market for a new refrigerator, opt for an energy-efficient model with an ENERGY STAR label.
Remember, turning off part of the fridge-freezer combo is not a viable solution to save energy and can lead to performance issues and increased energy consumption. It's best to keep the entire refrigerator running as intended and adopt energy-efficient habits to minimize its power usage.