Calculators · Cost to run
How much does it cost to run a refrigerator?
A refrigerator runs 24/7 but cycles on and off, so it's priced by annual energy, not watts. A new ENERGY STAR fridge uses roughly 350–475 kWh a year; a pre-2000 unit can use 1,000–1,500 kWh — two to three times more. The single biggest variable is the age and type of the fridge.
per day
$0.16
per month
$4.93
per year
$59.13
A refrigerator uses about 1.3 kWh a day, costing roughly $0.16/day or $4.93/month at 12.46¢/kWh.
Runs entirely in your browser — nothing you type is sent anywhere. Estimates only; your actual bill depends on your usage and includes delivery charges on top of the supply rate.
What it costs per year, at real rates
Based on a typical modern refrigerator (~475 kWh), priced at three of the utilities we track:
| Utility | Rate | Cost per year |
|---|---|---|
| PECO (PA) | 10.789¢/kWh | $51.25 |
| BGE (MD) | 14.609¢/kWh | $69.39 |
| ComEd (IL) | 10.399¢/kWh | $49.40 |
Supply rate only; delivery charges are extra. Use the calculator above for your own utility and usage.
Refrigerator energy by age and type
| Refrigerator | Energy per year | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| New ENERGY STAR | 300–400 kWh | Most efficient; check the yellow EnergyGuide label |
| Standard top/bottom freezer | 400–600 kWh | Typical modern unit |
| Side-by-side / with ice & water | 600–800 kWh | Dispensers and width add energy |
| Pre-2000 / garage "beer fridge" | 1,000–1,500 kWh | Old units cost 2–3× as much to run |
Cycles all day; use the kWh/year on the model's EnergyGuide label for an exact figure.
How to cut the cost
- 1
Retire the old second fridge
A pre-2000 fridge running in the garage can cost $150–$200 a year on its own. Unplugging a barely-used second fridge is often the easiest energy win in the house.
- 2
Set the right temperature
37°F for the fridge and 0°F for the freezer is plenty cold. Colder than that just burns energy.
- 3
Keep the coils clean
Dusty condenser coils make the compressor work harder. Vacuum them once or twice a year.
- 4
Check the door seals
If a dollar bill slips out easily when closed in the door, the gasket is leaking cold air and the fridge runs more. Replace worn seals.
Common questions
- How much does it cost to run a refrigerator per month?
- A typical modern fridge using ~475 kWh/year costs about 40 kWh a month — roughly $5–$7 at typical rates. An old unit can be two to three times that.
- Does an old refrigerator really use more electricity?
- Yes, dramatically. A pre-2000 fridge can use 1,000–1,500 kWh a year versus 300–400 for a new ENERGY STAR model — often $100+ a year in difference, which is why replacing a very old unit can pay for itself.
- How much does a garage second fridge cost to run?
- If it's an old unit running in an unconditioned garage, often $150–$200 a year — it works harder in summer heat. If you only use it occasionally, unplugging it is real money saved.
- How much electricity does a fridge use per day?
- A modern fridge uses roughly 1–1.3 kWh a day; older or larger units more. Use your model's EnergyGuide kWh/year ÷ 365 for the most accurate daily figure.
If your bill jumped more than your usage explains, your rate may have risen too.