Who hasn’t covered their fridge door with magnets from trips, souvenirs, or important notes? They add a special charm to the kitchen and seem harmless. But could these everyday accessories really increase your electricity bill?
+ Plants that move at night: 5 species to make your home more dramatic this Halloween
The question is old and quite popular: many believe that magnets interfere with the functioning of the fridge, forcing the motor to work harder and consequently increasing energy consumption. But science has already proven that this is just a myth.
According to House Digest, electrical engineering experts and energy companies explain that magnets have no impact at all on electricity consumption. That’s because the power of a magnet is practically negligible compared to the functioning of an appliance like a fridge, which typically operates between 300 and 800 kWh per year.
What really increases your energy bill
Although magnets are innocent when it comes to your bill, other daily habits can indeed significantly affect the fridge’s energy consumption. According to experts, the main culprits are:
- Frequently opening and closing the door: every time warm air enters, the motor needs to cool it down again.
- Leaving the door open for too long: even a few seconds demand extra effort from the cooling system.
- An overstuffed fridge: too many items block internal air circulation.
- Dirty condenser coils: they make heat exchange more difficult and increase consumption.
- Incorrect temperature setting: both too high and too low can affect performance.
These details make a difference at the end of the month and can result in a much higher energy bill.
The magnet myth explained by science
As Professor Selim Şeker, head of the Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering at Üsküdar University, emphasizes: “the magnetic field generated by magnets on a fridge does not influence the appliance’s operating principle.” The Spanish energy company Endesa also confirms: magnetic fields are not strong enough to penetrate the door, much less affect the internal systems.
In other words: you can keep using your magnets without fear of spending more on electricity.
But beware: aesthetic risks exist
If energy consumption is not a problem, aesthetics might be. On stainless steel fridges, raised magnets or ones with sharp edges can scratch the surface. Manufacturers like Whirlpool recommend using only flat vinyl magnets. GE Appliances warns that excessive magnets can even cause small rust spots, especially if moisture builds up.
Conclusion
Magnets do not increase your electricity bill — this is a myth already debunked by science. However, they can compromise the finish of your fridge, especially on stainless steel models. So, use them in moderation and, if possible, opt for lighter, flat versions.
This way, you keep your kitchen charming and your energy bill under control.
Source: House Digest. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
