Yes, a fully filled refrigerator generally consumes less power compared to a semi-empty one. This may seem counterintuitive, but it's due to the way refrigerators work and the principles of thermodynamics.
When a refrigerator is opened, warm air from the room enters, and the refrigerator has to work harder to cool that warm air down to the desired temperature. This process involves the compressor working to remove heat from the interior of the fridge. Now, when the fridge is relatively empty, there's more air space inside. Every time the door is opened, this air space gets exchanged with the warmer room air, and as a result, the refrigerator has to cool down this new air, and this happens more frequently.
On the other hand, when the refrigerator is fully filled with food items, there is less air space. The food items act as thermal mass, which helps to retain the cold temperature better. So, when you open the door, there is less exchange of air with the room, and less warm air enters the fridge. This means the fridge has to do less work to cool down the air again.
Moreover, when the fridge is full, the stored items help to absorb and retain the cold, acting as insulating buffers. This reduces the amount of time the compressor needs to run to maintain the desired temperature inside.
It's important to strike a balance, though. Overfilling the refrigerator can obstruct airflow and reduce its efficiency. It's essential to allow proper air circulation inside the fridge to maintain an optimal and energy-efficient cooling environment.
In conclusion, a fully filled refrigerator, with proper air circulation, consumes less power due to reduced air exchange and the thermal mass of the stored items, which helps maintain the cold temperature more effectively.