Between harmless gestures and preconceived ideas, our domestic habits sometimes fuel unexpected suspicions. By circulating online, certain doubts end up becoming obvious. This is how a simple decorative accessory for the fridge was accused of increasing the energy bill. The debate around the impact of magnets on consumption has become lasting, to the point of pushing manufacturers to react.
This kind of idea finds fertile ground in a context of rising energy costs. Faced with the fear of seeing consumption increase for no apparent reason, everyone is looking for the ideal culprit. The refrigerator, a device that is constantly running, becomes a natural target. Viral articles and videos have thus fueled the confusion, relaying pseudo-scientific explanations without verification.
It is to put an end to these assertions that leading brands and organizations have decided to reestablish the truth. Bosch, LG and the Consumers and Users Organization have spoken out to demystify the question. They all converge towards the same conclusion. The magnetic field of a decorative magnet is far too weak to influence the operation of a refrigerator, whatever its generation.
What the impact of magnets on consumption really reveals
Manufacturers may repeat that the danger is zero, the rumor continues to circulate. However, the facts are simple. The magnets placed on the outside of the refrigerator do not penetrate the metal wall and cannot interact in any way with the compressor or the electrical circuit. Bosch recalls that their magnetic field is thousands of times lower than that generated by the internal components of the device. Even an entire collection of souvenir magnets would not have the slightest impact on energy consumption.
Spanish energy company Endesa goes further. The magnets are so weak that they don't even reach the insulating walls of the refrigerator. The Consumers and Users Organization confirms that the interactions between magnetic field and electric current, very real in theory, have no measurable effect here. The University of Üsküdar, cited by Neozone, estimates that a refrigerator consumes between 500 and 1000 watts, a power incommensurate with that of a simple magnet.
LG, cited by Journal du Geek, also insists on this point: the magnets do not modify the lifespan of the device, nor the preservation of food, nor even the temperature regulation. Only a few precautions apply to recent models equipped with touch screens or sensitive sensors, for which it is sufficient to avoid placing a magnet in direct proximity to the integrated electronics. For the rest, no alerts to report.
Preserve your refrigerator and your bill thanks to good reflexes
Even without disturbing the internal system, magnets can cause some practical problems. Therefore, Bosch advises limiting their number. Too many magnets make the door heavier and weaken its hinges. Over time, this can shorten the life of the refrigerator and misalign the door. Therefore, cold air may escape without us realizing it. This lack of sealing ends up increasing electricity consumption.
Maison & Travaux also reminds that frequent sliding of magnets can cause micro-scratches, especially on stainless steel surfaces. It's not dramatic, but these marks accumulate over time. Simply lift the magnets instead of dragging them to avoid them. These details, often overlooked, influence the aesthetic lifespan of the device more than its energy performance.
The real savings levers are found elsewhere. According to the advice relayed by LaNature.ca, closing the door quickly, avoiding storing dishes that are still hot, cleaning the seals and regularly defrosting the freezer compartment are much more effective actions. A single layer of frost of three millimeters can increase consumption by up to 30%. Regular maintenance and a well-regulated temperature extend the life of the refrigerator while reducing the cost.
So, the culprit is not the magnet on the door but often the daily use of the device. By taking care of a few simple habits, everyone can preserve both their travel memories and their energy budget, without sacrificing their kitchen decoration.
With an unwavering passion for local news, Christopher leads our editorial team with integrity and dedication. With over 20 years’ experience, he is the backbone of Wouldsayso, ensuring that we stay true to our mission to inform.
