When it comes to appliances you use at home, you need to know a few things for them to power efficiently, perform seamlessly and run smoothly. For instance, will a 1000-watt inverter run a refrigerator?
Whereas an inverter is an excellent way of continuously powering your refrigerator, especially when there are power cuts, not all types can handle the task. It would be best if you got the size right to enjoy its benefits.
If that’s the case, it is important to understand a 1000-watt inverter before investing. It should run your fridge, or it will be a waste of money.
About a 1000-Watt Inverter
Besides the capacity, a 1000-Watt inverter is like any other power inverter. It will convert direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC).
However, unlike its counterparts, a 1000-Watt converter converts 12 Volts (V) to 1000 Watts of DC and AC, respectively. The AC power is usually pure sine wave at 120 V against 60 Hz.
Such inverters have common components, including the following;
- Audible alarms
- Safety shutdown triggers
- Removable control panel
- USB ports
- AC outlets
It is a suitable option when traveling. After all, it has enough power to serve all the devices in your RV.
Using this inverter, some devices you can power include blenders, laptops, and cellphones. The inverter effectively converts a vehicle’s battery into AC power that you can use to power other devices, which explains its popularity.
Typically, one can draw the power of between 88 Amps and 105 Amps from a 1000-wat inverter. It can provide from 800 to 850 watts, and the variation is due to different voltages.
Whereas that’s the capacity, avoid exceeding 25% overload.
Will a 1000-watt Inverter Run a Refrigerator?
The answer to this question depends on several factors. The 1000-watt inverter will run your refrigerator if they match the requirements.
Battery
A refrigerator’s compressor keeps powering on and off for a considerable amount of time in a day. Therefore, ensure that the battery can help it do so for as long as necessary.
Besides capacity, the condition of the battery also matters. If it is in bad shape, especially the old ones, holding power, the inverter needs to run.
Refrigerator
Some facts about powering a refrigerator can illustrate why as much as a 1000-watt inverter can run some refrigerators, it may not apply to others. First, various refrigerators have varying surge wattage.
Additionally, your refrigerator will not always be ON. On the contrary, it will maintain low internal temperatures thanks to its compressor, which keeps turning off and ON as required.
During its startup, a refrigerator can draw a substantial amount of current. Consequently, the power usage will spike, and this surging power is usually thrice or 10 times its running wattage.
Interestingly, this surging power often lasts for a second or less. However, the inverter needs to handle it for the refrigerator to start.
Therefore, besides considering the running wattage the inverter can power, never overlook the refrigerator’s surge wattage. Generally, the best inverter should handle 5 times the appliance’s running wattage.
Here’s a summary of some refrigerator models and their respective fridges.
| Refrigerator type | Refrigerator Size | Power Usage (Watts) | Inverter Size | |
| Continuous Watts | Surge Watts | |||
| Mini-fridge | 4 Cu. ft. | 75W | 400W | 800W |
| RV fridge | 10 Cu. ft. | 150W | 750W | 1500W |
| Full-size fridge 1 | 16 Cu. ft | 200W | 1000W | 2000W |
| Full-size fridge 2 | 22 Cu. Ft. | 300W | 1500W | 3000W |
Number of Hours
It would be best to consider the hours you will run your refrigerator daily. The longer the period, the more the power hence the need to choose an inverter that can handle it.
The bottom line is that the inverter needs to be powerful enough to run your refrigerator. Its battery should also be strong enough to run for as long as needed.
The bigger the fridge, the more power it draws, especially when starting. So, whereas a 1000-watt inverter can run a small fridge, it will disappoint in larger counterparts.
What Can a 1000-watt Inverter Power?
Besides certain refrigerators, the power inverter can also power many appliances. For instance, it can charge and run the following;
- Televisions
- Computers
- Power tools
- Lights
- Blenders
- Hair dryers
That said and done, remember that your battery determines the power you can draw from it. The appliances drawing power from it also determine whether the inverter can handle the demand.
It is worth noting that most appliances draw more power when starting up than running. Equally important, always maintain the safety margin of operating an inverter’s full load.
Things to Consider When Running Your Refrigerator on An Inverter
The following tips will go a long way when running your refrigerator on an inverter. After all, they play a significant role in cutting costs and improving performance.
Ensure that the inverter isn’t running at its maximum capacity
It is no secret that an inverter withstands peak surge watts for several seconds daily. However, it isn’t advisable to put it under such conditions for a long time.
The fridge should be energy efficient
Don’t assume a refrigerator is energy efficient simply because it is Energy Star compliant. Whereas that’s a good thing, some refrigerators are more efficient than others despite having the same compliance.
Therefore, take your time to choose the one that’s as energy efficient as possible. It is important to compare various designs and models and choose the most energy efficient one.
While choosing your fridge, remember to consider your needs too. They should also play a part when deciding the best option.
Purchase High-Quality Inverter
It would be best if you also were keen on the inverter’s specifications of the one you take home. Major specifications and features should mostly revolve around how it runs and handles surge watts.
Many varieties exist thus making it a daunting task to select one worth every penny. Fortunately, if you take your time to compare the various options, you will settle for the most suitable inverter.
Always Monitor Power Usage
Ensure that you monitor the power that your refrigerator consumes. That also applies to any other appliance running on your inverter.
