The Energy Market Regulatory Authority (EMRA) announced a 25 percent increase in residential electricity prices due to rising energy production costs. The question of whether the colorful magnets adorning the doors of our indispensable home appliance, refrigerators, increase the device's energy consumption occasionally sparks curiosity.
Evaluating the effect of magnets on refrigerators, Prof. Dr. Selim Şeker stated, “The magnetic field created by magnets on a refrigerator does not affect the device's operating principle. Furthermore, the effect of magnets on the bill is zero.”
Head of Üsküdar University Electrical and Electronics Engineering Department, Prof. Dr. Selim Şeker, evaluated whether the magnetic field created by magnets on a refrigerator affects the device's operating principle or energy consumption.
Magnet's power is close to zero compared to the refrigerator
Addressing the effect of magnets on refrigerators, Prof. Dr. Selim Şeker said, “The magnetic field created by magnets on a refrigerator does not affect the device's operating principle. This is because the refrigerator's power is between 500-1000 Watts, while the magnet's power is close to zero. Furthermore, if the magnet is direct current, its frequency is zero. Devices typically operate at 50 hertz.”
No measurable effect on energy consumption
Prof. Dr. Selim Şeker also stated that the presence or number of magnets cannot measurably change the refrigerator's energy consumption, adding, “Because the energy they create is too small to be measured. There is no scientific research or test conducted on this matter.”
Zero effect on the bill!
Prof. Dr. Selim Şeker also noted that there is no known mechanism in electrical engineering or physics suggesting that magnetic fields could affect the electricity consumption of devices like refrigerators, stating, “Because magnets operate with direct current, while refrigerators work with alternating fields. Furthermore, the effect of magnets on the bill is zero.”
