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 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. Use the calculator above to see how changing hours per day or your rate moves the number.

How Much Does It Cost to Run 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.

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.

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 — adjust both in the calculator above.

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How Much Does It Cost to Run Refrigerator?

Cost to run a refrigerator by electricity rate

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to run a refrigerator?

Is a refrigerator expensive to run?

How many watts does a refrigerator use?

How can I lower the cost of running a refrigerator?

Cost to run other appliances