A refrigerator is the most used home appliance. It is quite impossible to survive without a refrigerator during natural disasters. But the challenge main challenge is electricity. In most cases, electricity goes for a day. Then how can you keep fresh your food in the refrigerator?
Yes, you could use a generator for running the refrigerators and freezers. But most people don’t have a stationary generator. Usually, we use a portable generator for an emergency.
You can not run the portable generator continuously like 2 days to 3 days. It doesn’t matter you use a gasoline, diesel, or propane generator. You have a limitation in the run time. But how long to run a generator for a refrigerator?
According to most of the specialists, you can run your refrigerator for a maximum of 4 hours by ruining the generator for 1 hour without affected the foods in the refrigerator. This could vary from refrigerator brands and capacity.
Anyway, in this article, I’ve discussed more the run time of the generator and refrigerator. After reading this brief article, you will understand the basics of refrigerators and generators.
Let’s get started.
How Long To Run Generator For Refrigerator?
I have already given a precise answer to this question. Yes, you could run your refrigerator for 4 hours by running your generator for 1 hour. But this is an in general answer.
Let me explore why.
You will find hundreds of refrigerator models in the market. Their power consumption is not the same. Some refrigerator needs high wattage and some need low.
Yes, you could run all types of the refrigerator with the portable generator. You just need to ensure the starting wattage of your generator at least equal to your refrigerator’s wattage.
If you have a refrigerator that is loaded with foods and beverages, the inner side of your refrigerator becomes hot quickly.
On the other hand, if you open and close your refrigerator frequently, the temperature of your refrigerator will rise soon.
In this case, the general rule may not be applicable. So, you should be careful during the hurricane season that you have a large size portable generator to run your home appliances smoothly. Yes, the fuel reservation is crucial indeed.
Can generator damage refrigerator? Read More here.
How Long Can A Gas Generator Power A Freezer?
The time actually depends on the generator size. Well, now consider the gas generator especially. If you have a natural gas line on your property, then you are the luckiest people. You don’t need to think about fuel storage. if you have a natural gas generator, you don’t need to be worried indeed.
But if you are dependable on the propane cylinder, you should be economical. Otherwise, you will not survive during the disaster.
Like the gasoline and diesel generator, your refrigerator will remain cold for almost 4 hours by running the gas generator for 1 hour.
Pro Tips
If you want to run your refrigerator for 24 hours continuously, you could install a battery. Yes, it could cost some extra bucks but you don’t think about the blackout.
You just need to run your generator and charge the battery. The battery will charge your refrigerator. This tip is especially for the refrigerator. Because other appliances are not like the refrigerator.
Related: How to power a generator with a refrigerator?
How Long Will A Refrigerator Stay Cold After Power Loss?
If you don’t open the door of your refrigerator after the power loss, your refrigerator will stay cold for 2 to 7 hours. It depends on various factors like the volume and storage of the refrigerator, brands and power consumption, etc.
Usually, the quality refrigerator not only stays cold but also keeps the food fresh. But if you use an old model refrigerator, it may not store the cold for such a prolonged period. So, it is difficult to answer the question in a word.
Optimal Temperature to keep fresh food in the refrigerator
According to the FDA (Food and drug administration), the optimal temperature is -40 degrees Fahrenheit to keep the foods fresh. When the temperature exceeds the optimal level, the foods become affected by toxic bacteria like salmonella, E.Coli, Clostridium botulinum, etc.
Most people can not go out just after a strong storm like a hurricane. So, you need to stay at your home for safety. In this time, a generator is one of the most desired tools for people.
Bottom Line
Long story short, by running 1 hour of your generator, your refrigerator will stay cold 3-5 hours. And it depends on various factors also.
Many of us think that generators are so expensive. Actually, they are expensive but not a luxury product. A 5000-watt gas generator consumes .5 gallons to .8-gallon gas per hour. And you can run almost all the appliances of your house with a 5Kilowatt generator.
Don’t forget to share your thoughts in the comment box.
Enjoy a hassle-free life with your generator!
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