"The idea likely took off from a half-understood bit of science: that your favorite souvenirs were creating a magnetic field that was somehow interfering with the fridge's internal sensors or compressor. That the magnets could, in theory, be "confusing" the refrigerator into working harder to maintain its temperature. In reality, though, the magnets on the outside of your fridge are far too weak to penetrate the insulated door or affect the circuits inside."
"Endesa, the Spanish energy company, has called the claim "totally false," noting that the magnetic fields of these souvenirs are so weak they don't even make it past the outer layer of the fridge door. Professor Selim Şeker, Chair of Electrical and Electronics Engineering at Üsküdar University, agrees: "The refrigerator operates at a power of 500-1000 watts, while a magnet's power is nearly zero.""
Magnets placed on refrigerator doors do not increase energy consumption because their magnetic fields are too weak to penetrate insulated doors or interfere with internal sensors or compressors. The myth likely arose from a misunderstood notion that external magnets could 'confuse' thermostat or compressor operations, causing the appliance to work harder. Appliance manufacturers, academics, and energy companies have debunked the claim, noting the negligible magnetic strength compared with refrigerator operating power. Experts state refrigerators use 500–1000 watts while magnets produce almost no power. Manufacturers such as Bosch state fridge magnets don't impact energy usage, lifespan, or food safety. The only practical concern is excessive weight of many magnets potentially straining door hinges over time.
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