How much does it cost to run a refrigerator?
A typical refrigerator draws about 150 watts. Used 24 hours a day, that works out to roughly $0.61 per day, $18.61 per month, and $223.38 per year on an average electricity rate of 17¢ per kWh. A fridge runs continuously, so even a modest wattage adds up over a full year.
Refrigerator running cost calculator
- Per day
- $0.61
- Per month
- $18.61
- Per year
- $223.38
- CO₂ / year
- 525.6 kg
Based on 1314 kWh per year. Adjust the price per kWh to match your latest electricity bill for an exact figure.
The number that matters most is your own electricity rate. Rates range from under 11¢ per kWh in some regions to over 30¢ in others, so the same refrigerator can cost two or three times as much depending on where you live. Enter your exact rate in the calculator above to get a figure tailored to your bill.
Over a full year this refrigerator uses about 1314 kWh of electricity and is responsible for roughly 525.6 kg of CO₂ emissions on an average grid. Reducing run time, or switching to a more efficient model, lowers both the cost and the footprint.
If this refrigerator is one you use daily, even small efficiency gains compound. Cutting its usage or wattage by 20% would save around $44.68 every year — money that an efficient replacement can recover over its lifetime.
Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to run a refrigerator per hour?
- At 150 watts and a 17¢/kWh rate, a refrigerator costs about $0.03 per hour to run.
- How much electricity does a refrigerator use per month?
- Running 24 hours a day, a refrigerator uses roughly 109.5 kWh per month, costing about $18.61.
- Is a refrigerator expensive to run?
- Yes — at around $223.38 per year, a refrigerator is one of the more costly appliances to run, so efficiency upgrades pay off quickly.
- How can I reduce my refrigerator running costs?
- Use it during off-peak hours if your utility offers time-of-use pricing, reduce daily run time, and consider an ENERGY STAR rated refrigerator, which uses less power for the same job.