One of the big problems with using the internet is that anyone can easily create a video or article with dubious sources, and this is impossible to avoid. One of the latest myths on the internet says that magnets on the fridge increase energy consumption. But what do the experts say?
Are magnets good or bad for your fridge?
One of the best inventions for reminders created by mankind is fridge magnets. In fact, these small decorations stuck to the outside of the doors allow you to attach a note or reminder. They also often take the form of cards with the details of the gas supplier, water cleaning service or removal services.
These products have become so popular that it was thought that they were harmful to the refrigerator and increased its energy consumption. However, several brands and companies have already commented on the matter.
Firstly, Bosch mentions a problem: the useful life of your refrigerator. In other words, if you place too many magnets on your appliance, their weight can damage the door and, consequently, reduce its useful life. As for consumption, the brand clarifies: “If you only use a few magnets on the refrigerator door, you should not expect the appliance to malfunction; scratches may appear on the surface. If you put so many magnets on the door that their weight increases significantly, this may reduce the useful life of the door hinges.” For its part, the energy company Endesa states that this myth is completely false. It adds that magnets are so insignificant to the functioning of the refrigerator that they do not even pass through the refrigerator doors.
Furthermore, the Organisation of Consumers and Users (OCU) explains that although electric currents do interact with magnetic fields, the fields created by magnets are so weak that they do not affect the refrigerator’s consumption. The number of magnets does not matter.
Finally, LG clarifies: ‘In fact, this is just a myth: magnets on the refrigerator do not affect consumption, service life or products. Magnets placed on the outside of the refrigerator do not affect the operation or internal cooling capacity of the appliance.’
How to save energy without stopping using the refrigerator
Saving energy, even with a refrigerator, is not impossible.
There are many ways to do this, and some experts recommend:
- Do not leave the refrigerator door open, otherwise cold air will escape.
- Do not set the refrigerator temperature too low.
- Store each product in the appropriate drawer (vegetables, dairy products, beverages, etc.).
- Perform regular maintenance on your refrigerator.
- Check the door seals.
- Wait for products to cool before placing them in the refrigerator, as placing hot products in the refrigerator will cause it to work harder.
- Defrost products regularly. If ice builds up, it acts as an insulator, hindering the transmission of cold and increasing the appliance’s energy consumption.
- Use recommended containers for storing food, such as glass containers, vacuum-sealed containers or thermal bags.
By following these tips, you can save energy and extend the life of your refrigerator without sacrificing its basic functions.
