NOTICE: Due to a lapse in annual appropriations, most of this website is not being updated. Learn more.
Form submissions will still be accepted but will not receive responses at this time. Sections of this site for programs using non-appropriated funds (such as NVLAP) or those that are excepted from the shutdown (such as CHIPS and NVD) will continue to be updated.
An official website of the United States government
Here’s how you know
Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.
Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock (
) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.
Effect of Usage Conditions on Household Refrigerator-Freezer and Freezer Energy Consumption
Published
Author(s)
J W. Grimes, W. J. Mulroy, B. L. Shomaker
Abstract
A study was made of an automatic - and a manual- defrost refrigerator/freezer combination, and an upright and a chest freezer to measure the effect on energy consumption of five variable usage conditions: thermostat setting, ambient temperature, food load, door-opening frequency, and relative humidity. No evaluation was made of the effect of frost build-up. Ambient temperature and thermostat setting were found to have considerably greater effect on energy consumption than door-opening and relative humidity changes for the specimens tested.
Grimes, J.
, Mulroy, W.
and Shomaker, B.
(1977),
Effect of Usage Conditions on Household Refrigerator-Freezer and Freezer Energy Consumption, ASHRAE Transactions, [online], https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=910792
(Accessed October 17, 2025)