The wattage of a refrigerator determines how much electricity it uses. This article looks at a KitchenAid refrigerator wattage and the factors affecting it.
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KitchenAid Refrigerator Wattage
There is no general wattage value for every KitchenAid refrigerator model. Some use more electricity than others, according to the manufacturer. Check the information plate inside the refrigerator or consult its user manual to determine the exact wattage for each type of refrigerator. Large refrigerators tend to use more wattage than mini-fridges. A typical large one may consume as much as 1000 watts.
For example, a typical large refrigerator may use 115 volts and 6.5 amps. When you multiply the values, you get the wattage for this particular refrigerator, which gives you 747.5 watts. A mini refrigerator uses only a fraction of this wattage, some using about 50 to 100 watts. However, the wattage of a refrigerator depends on several factors, such as how often you use it, the temperature in the kitchen, the appliance’s location, and its age.
The age of a refrigerator is vital in how much energy it consumes. An old KitchenAid refrigerator without an Energy Star rating may use up to 1000 watts. But a newer model with the Energy Star rating may use only a fraction of the number, even if it is a full-sized model.
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Starting vs. Running Wattage of a KitchenAid Refrigerator
It is important to note that a refrigerator requires a significantly lower amount of wattage to run than it does to start. In other words, it uses much more energy to start than it does to run. In some cases, the appliance may need three times the energy to start that it uses to run. A typical refrigerator has a few motors that tend to start at the same time, such as the compressor and fan motors.
This means there is a high energy requirement at this point. However, the energy requirement drops once the motors start and stabilize, significantly reducing the wattage. Moreover, a refrigerator cycles on and off, further reducing electricity usage. This calculation gives you a general idea of how much you spend per month or year powering the refrigerator. An energy-efficient refrigerator may not use as much wattage to start as an older model without energy efficiency.
Factors Affecting Watt Usage of a KitchenAid Refrigerator
Using an energy-efficient refrigerator is an excellent idea, but it can still consume a lot of energy due to poor maintenance. You may find that your refrigerator’s energy usage keeps increasing the longer you use it without servicing or cleaning crucial parts. So, what can affect the watt usage of a typical KitchenAid refrigerator or any other refrigerator?
1. Dirty Condenser
A significant amount of dirt on the condenser affects how well it functions. The condenser coils contribute to the entire cooling system by condensing the refrigerant and dissipating heat from the system. If dirt coats the coils, they cannot remove the heat, causing overheating and compromising the cooling system. Consequently, the refrigerator has difficulty cooling, and the compressor and fans run longer than usual, consuming more energy in the process.
Cleaning the condenser coils once or twice yearly keeps the refrigerator in optimum condition. You can hire an appliance technician to do a professional and safe cleaning job or clean the coils yourself. However, you must disconnect the refrigerator from electric power and give it about half an hour to cool before touching the coils, compressor, or fan. Otherwise, the unit may be too hot to touch. Use a vacuum cleaner or a condenser coil cleaning brush to remove the dirt.
2. Poor Clearance
Every refrigerator needs proper air circulation to allow the removal of hot air from the system. If the appliance is too close to the surrounding surfaces or walls, it may hinder the airflow and cause overheating. This, in turn, affects how well the refrigerator runs and cools, causing the compressor and other motors to run constantly.
They increase the running wattage and affect electricity bills. Therefore, move the refrigerator a few inches away from the walls behind it and on both sides. Ensure not too many items are stored on top of it to prevent damage and keep the area as airy as possible. Additionally, keep the coils and other condenser parts clean and in good working condition.
3. Incorrect Temperature Setting
You must set the temperature for the refrigerator and freezer correctly for the appliance to consume little energy. Incorrect temperature settings can affect how much the compressor and fans run to maintain a cool internal temperature. Every KitchenAid refrigerator comes preset from the factory for each section. The refrigerating section is set at 37 degrees Fahrenheit, and the freezer is set to 0 degrees Fahrenheit.
However, you may need to adjust the setting occasionally. If you set them too high, the refrigerator becomes too warm and constantly runs to cool down. This affects how much electricity the refrigerator consumes per time. You may want to check to see that the refrigerator’s temperature settings are correct. Adjust them according to the recommendations in the user manual.
4. Surrounding Temperature
Ensure the temperature in the kitchen is not too hot or too cold. Every refrigerator functions based on the ambient temperature, and if it is too hot, the refrigerator has difficulty cooling. As with other problems already mentioned, the refrigerator runs more than normal to prevent overheating.
You may want to check for any heat source around the appliance or if it is in the path of direct sunlight. The refrigerator’s location is vital in how the temperature affects it, especially if you cook a lot. Move the refrigerator to another part of the room or house, if possible, to remove it from the heat source. Otherwise, use an air conditioner to provide cool air in the case of overheating or a heater if the room is too cold.
5. Usage
How you use the refrigerator can increase or lower the wattage usage. Frequently opening the refrigerator or freezer door causes it to lose cold air while warm air replaces it. Over time, the refrigerator’s cooling capacity drops, triggering the cooling system to run continuously. Therefore, limit the number of times you open the door per day. Also, do not hold the door open for too long each time you open it. This helps the cold air to remain in the refrigerator and reduces how often the cooling system runs.
6. Age
The older a refrigerator is, the harder it works to maintain a cool temperature. Many older model refrigerators do not have energy efficiency, so they consume a lot of energy, especially as they near the end of their lifespan. You may want to check how old the refrigerator is if the wattage consumption seems to be too high.
In such a case, the best solution is to replace the refrigerator. If the compressor and other parts still work, you may want to trade the refrigerator in for a newer one instead of completely discarding it and spending a lot on a new one. Contact the KitchenAid Service Center and ask about such a trade before making a budget for a new appliance.
KitchenAid Refrigerator 40 Wattage Light Bulb Replacement
Disconnect the refrigerator from the electric power and remove the light bulb cover. Not all refrigerator models have a light cover or shield over the bulb, so you may not have to remove one. Next, remove the old light bulb; by now, you should have a replacement bulb that fits your refrigerator model.
Put the new bulb in place of the old one and replace the cover if applicable. Reconnect the refrigerator to electric power and see if the light bulb works. Replacing LED lights may be a little different, so you must follow the steps detailed in the LED packaging to fix the LED lights. There are also instructions in the user manual to replace the lights.