Electricity Cost Calculator · Practical guide
How Much Does It Cost to Run a Refrigerator?
A typical 150-watt refrigerator costs roughly $14 a month, or about $168 a year, at the average U.S. rate of $0.13 per kWh.
At a glance
The Short Answer
A full-size refrigerator drawing about 150 watts and running around the clock uses roughly 108 kWh per month. At the U.S. average rate of $0.13 per kWh, that is about $14.04 per month or $168.48 per year. Because refrigerators cycle on and off all day, they are one of the few appliances that realistically run 24 hours a day.
Interactive tool
Electricity Cost Calculator
Enter your own values, then compare the result with the examples below.
Electricity Cost Breakdown
| Appliance | Monthly kWh | Monthly Cost |
|---|
Refrigerator Cost by Wattage
Actual energy use depends on the size and age of the unit. The table below assumes 24 hours per day, 30 days per month, and a rate of $0.13 per kWh.
| Wattage | Monthly kWh | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100 W (compact/efficient) | 72 | $9.36 | $112.32 |
| 150 W (typical full-size) | 108 | $14.04 | $168.48 |
| 200 W (larger or older unit) | 144 | $18.72 | $224.64 |
| 250 W (old side-by-side) | 180 | $23.40 | $280.80 |
How Your Rate Changes the Picture
Electricity prices vary widely by state. That same 150-watt refrigerator costs $21.60 per month ($259.20 per year) at $0.20 per kWh, but only about $10.80 per month where power runs near $0.10 per kWh. Check your utility bill for your exact energy charge before estimating.
Ways to Cut Refrigerator Costs
- Set the fridge to 37-40°F and the freezer to 0°F; colder settings waste energy.
- Keep condenser coils clean so the compressor runs less.
- Leave a few inches of space behind the unit for airflow.
- Replacing a 15-year-old fridge with an efficient model can cut its running cost nearly in half.
Enter your refrigerator's wattage from the nameplate sticker inside the door to get a precise monthly and annual estimate above.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do older refrigerators use more electricity?
Yes. Refrigerators from the early 2000s often draw 250 watts or more and lack modern compressors, so they can cost $280 or more per year to run versus roughly $168 for a typical current model.
Where do I find my refrigerator's wattage?
Look for the nameplate sticker inside the door frame or on the back of the unit. It lists amps and volts; multiply them to estimate watts (for example, 6.5 amps x 115 volts is about 750 watts at startup, though running draw is much lower).
Does a refrigerator really run 24 hours a day?
The compressor cycles on and off, typically running 8 to 12 hours of actual duty per day, but 24-hour entry with a realistic running wattage gives a close estimate. If you know the duty cycle, adjust the hours field accordingly.
Is a mini fridge cheaper to run?
Generally yes. A compact fridge drawing 80-100 watts costs about $9 to $12 per month at $0.13 per kWh, though cheap mini fridges can be less efficient per cubic foot than full-size models.