Question for the physics gurus - Page 3

Homeslice · 07-19-2009, 09:47 PM

So let's review:

1) If your freezer is brand new and you plug it in for the first time, it will take more power to bring a full freezer down to specified temperature than it would for an empty one.

2) If the freezer is already at the desired temp, and the door is never opened, then it doesn't matter if it's empty or full, its power consumption will be the same. However, if the door is opened, or if the seals leak, then an empty freezer will consume more power.

3) If the power goes out, then a full freezer will stay cold longer than an empty one.

askmrjesus · 07-19-2009, 10:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Homeslice

So let's review:

1) If your freezer is brand new and you plug it in for the first time, it will take more power to bring a full freezer down to specified temperature than it would for an empty one.

Not true. If you fill your new freezer with stuff that's already frozen, it would take less time.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Homeslice

2) If the freezer is already at the desired temp, and the door is never opened, then it doesn't matter if it's empty or full, its power consumption will be the same. However, if the door is opened, or if the seals leak, then an empty freezer will consume more power.

Also not true. If the freezer is empty, it's doesn't need any power.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Homeslice

3) If the power goes out, then a full freezer will stay cold longer than an empty one.

True, but who cares? If there is nothing in the freezer, what difference does it make?

JC

Homeslice · 07-19-2009, 10:23 PM

ermkay

askmrjesus · 07-19-2009, 10:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Homeslice

ermkay

ermkay is right.

Do you sit around all weekend, wondering whats happens in your freezer when the light goes off?

Dude, go on a date.

JC

anthonyk · 07-19-2009, 10:45 PM

Since the specific heat of water ice is about twice that of air (and frozen food usually has a bunch of water in it), an empty freezer will change temp more quickly than a full one given the same amount of heat transferred. So I guess the power company knows what's up.

But yeah, operating on a day-today basis? I'm pretty sure it's a wash.

07-19-2009, 09:47 PM	#21
Homeslice Elitist Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: SF Bay Area Moto: Gix 750 Posts: 11,351	So let's review: 1) If your freezer is brand new and you plug it in for the first time, it will take more power to bring a full freezer down to specified temperature than it would for an empty one. 2) If the freezer is already at the desired temp, and the door is never opened, then it doesn't matter if it's empty or full, its power consumption will be the same. However, if the door is opened, or if the seals leak, then an empty freezer will consume more power. 3) If the power goes out, then a full freezer will stay cold longer than an empty one.

07-19-2009, 10:23 PM	#23
Homeslice Elitist Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: SF Bay Area Moto: Gix 750 Posts: 11,351	ermkay

07-19-2009, 10:45 PM	#25
anthonyk WERA White Plate Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Austin, TX Moto: '01 Aprilia Falco Posts: 1,041	Since the specific heat of water ice is about twice that of air (and frozen food usually has a bunch of water in it), an empty freezer will change temp more quickly than a full one given the same amount of heat transferred. So I guess the power company knows what's up. But yeah, operating on a day-today basis? I'm pretty sure it's a wash.