Is a refrigerator expensive to run?

An old fridge can use 2–3× the electricity of a new ENERGY STAR model; a second garage fridge is often the quietest line item on a bill. At typical use it adds about $18.05 to a monthly electric bill at the US-average rate, but that swings from $12.60 in the cheapest states to $46.93 in the most expensive.

How many watts does a refrigerator use?

Refrigerator typically draws about 150 running watts. Because it has a motor or compressor, it briefly spikes to around 800 watts at startup, which matters for generator and breaker sizing but not for energy cost. Check the nameplate or label on your specific unit for its exact rating.

How much electricity (kWh) does a refrigerator use?

At typical use (150 W for 24 hours a day), a refrigerator uses about 3.6 kWh per day — roughly 110 kWh per month, or about 13% of what the average US home uses in a month (863 kWh). Energy used doesn't depend on your electricity rate — only the bill does.

How can I lower the cost of running a refrigerator?

An old fridge can use 2–3× the electricity of a new ENERGY STAR model; a second garage fridge is often the quietest line item on a bill. You can also cut the cost by lowering your electricity rate — many utilities offer cheaper off-peak hours — or simply by running it fewer hours. The calculator on this page shows how changing hours per day or your electricity rate moves the number.

How Much Does It Cost to Run a Refrigerator?

A fridge runs 24/7 but cycles its compressor on and off, so it only draws its full wattage part of the time — making it cheaper to run than its nameplate suggests. At the US-average rate of 16.5¢/kWh, running a refrigerator costs about $18.05/month ($216.55/year) at typical use. Adjust the watts, hours, and your rate below for your exact number.

Power (watts)

Hours per day: 24

Days per week: 7

Your state (sets the rate)

Electricity rate ($/kWh)

Cost to run a refrigerator

$217/yr

Per day: $0.59
Per month: $18.05
Energy per year: 1,314 kWh

Cost = power (kW) × hours × days × your rate. Defaults are typical values — enter your appliance's actual watts (often on a label) and your real rate for a precise figure.

How much electricity does a refrigerator use?

At 150 W for 24 hours a day, a refrigerator uses about 3.6 kWh per day — roughly 110 kWh per month and 1,314 kWh per year. That's about 13% of the 863 kWh the average US home uses in a month. Energy use is the same everywhere — only the price per kWh changes your bill.

Wondering about the circuit instead? See how many amps a refrigerator draws.

Cost to run a refrigerator by electricity rate

Same 150 W appliance, 24 h/day — the bill changes with where you live.

Scenario	Rate	Per month	Per year
Cheapest states (North Dakota)	11.5¢	$12.60	$151.24
US average	16.5¢	$18.05	$216.55
Most expensive (Hawaii)	42.9¢	$46.93	$563.18

Find your state's rate on the electricity rates by state page, or see the appliance wattage chart for more devices.

Measure what a refrigerator really costs you

The estimate above uses typical wattage and hours. A plug-in energy meter logs the kilowatt-hours this appliance actually uses — leave it in for a week, multiply by your rate, and the estimate becomes a measurement. A whole-home monitor does the same for every circuit at once, but its sensors install inside the panel.

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Plug-in power meter

P3 International Kill A Watt P4400

Best for: Measuring what one plug-in appliance really uses

Check price on Amazon(paid link)

Whole-home energy monitor

Emporia Vue 3 Home Energy Monitor (16 circuit sensors)

Best for: Measuring hardwired and 240 V loads, or every circuit at once

Check price on Amazon(paid link)

Energy meter and monitor picks

Frequently asked questions

At the US-average residential rate of 16.5¢/kWh, a refrigerator drawing 150 watts for about 24 hours a day costs roughly $0.59 per day, $18.05 per month, and $216.55 per year. Your actual cost depends on your electricity rate and how much you use it, and the calculator on this page adjusts for both.

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How Much Does It Cost to Run a Refrigerator?

How much electricity does a refrigerator use?

Cost to run a refrigerator by electricity rate

Measure what a refrigerator really costs you

P3 International Kill A Watt P4400

Emporia Vue 3 Home Energy Monitor (16 circuit sensors)

Frequently asked questions