Keeping a refrigerator door open consumes significantly more electrical energy compared to keeping it closed to maintain the cold temperature inside. Here's why:
Cooling System: The refrigerator's cooling system, which typically consists of a compressor and a refrigerant, is responsible for maintaining a low temperature inside the fridge. When the door is closed, the cooling system only needs to work intermittently to maintain the set temperature because the insulated environment helps trap the cold air.
Heat Infiltration: When the refrigerator door is open, warm air from the surrounding environment enters the fridge, raising the temperature inside. The cooling system then needs to work much harder and for longer periods to bring the temperature back down to the desired level. This increased cooling load consumes more electricity.
Cold Air Loss: Every time the refrigerator door is opened, some cold air escapes from inside. When you close the door, the refrigerator needs to re-cool the air and objects inside. The more frequently the door is opened, or the longer it stays open, the more energy is required to bring the temperature back down.
Insulation: Modern refrigerators are designed with insulation to minimize temperature fluctuations. However, when the door is open, the insulation can only do so much to prevent heat infiltration.
Thermostat Operation: When the fridge door is closed, the thermostat detects the internal temperature and turns off the cooling system once the desired level is reached. When the door is open, the thermostat doesn't receive an accurate reading of the internal temperature, leading to continuous operation of the cooling system.
To conserve energy and reduce electricity consumption, it's essential to keep the refrigerator door closed as much as possible. Only open it when necessary and avoid leaving it open for extended periods. Additionally, ensure that the door seal is in good condition to prevent cold air leakage when the door is closed.