Cost to run a standalone freezer
Laundry & kitchen · typical wattage 100 W (60 W-350 W)
A standalone freezer draws about 60 W-350 W (typically 100 W). At typical usage it uses about 400 kWh/year, which costs roughly $6.19/month and $74.24/year at the US average residential rate of 18.56¢/kWh (March 2026). At a high-rate state like California (33.35¢) it costs more; at a low-rate state like Washington (14.40¢) it costs less.
Source: U.S. DOE — Estimating Appliance and Home Electronic Energy Use. Data as of June 2026.
Standalone freezer at a glance
| Figure | Standalone freezer |
|---|---|
| Typical running wattage | 100 W (60 W-350 W) |
| Assumed usage | 400 kWh/yr typical |
| Energy used | 400 kWh per year |
| Cost per month @ 18.56¢ | $6.19 |
| Cost per year @ 18.56¢ | $74.24 |
Source: U.S. DOE — Estimating Appliance and Home Electronic Energy Use; ENERGY STAR product specifications. Data as of June 2026.
Cost at light, typical and heavy use
How the monthly and yearly cost changes with how long you run it, at the US average 18.56¢/kWh:
| Usage | Cost / month | Cost / year |
|---|---|---|
| Light use (12 h/day) | $6.68 | $81.29 |
| Typical use (24 h/day) | $13.36 | $163 |
| Heavy use (36 h/day) | $20.04 | $244 |
Cost at different state rates
The same standalone freezer at typical usage, priced at a few representative state rates:
| Rate | Cost / month | Cost / year |
|---|---|---|
| US average (18.56¢) | $6.19 | $74.24 |
| Washington (14.40¢) | $4.80 | $57.60 |
| Texas (16.39¢) | $5.46 | $65.56 |
| California (33.35¢) | $11.12 | $133 |
Source: EIA Electric Power Monthly, Table 5.6.A (residential) (March 2026). Data as of June 2026.
Use the calculator to price it at your exact rate, or see all 51 states.
Wattage source & how to save
A chest or upright freezer typically uses about 300–600 kWh/year, running 24/7 with the compressor cycling.
Tip to cut the cost: Keep it in a cool space (not a hot garage) and keep it reasonably full to hold the cold.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to run a standalone freezer?
At the US average residential rate of 18.56¢/kWh, a standalone freezer (about 60 W-350 W, typically 100 W) used at typical levels costs roughly $6.19 per month and $74.24 per year. Your cost depends on your exact wattage, usage and local rate. Use the calculator for an exact figure.
How many watts does a standalone freezer use?
A chest or upright freezer typically uses about 300–600 kWh/year, running 24/7 with the compressor cycling.
How much electricity does a standalone freezer use per year?
About 400 kWh per year at typical usage. This is expressed as annual kWh because the device cycles rather than running at a fixed wattage.
How can I cut the running cost of a standalone freezer?
Keep it in a cool space (not a hot garage) and keep it reasonably full to hold the cold.
Keep exploring
- More laundry & kitchen: Electric clothes dryer, Washing machine, Dishwasher, Refrigerator
- All 36 appliances · Biggest energy hogs
- Running-cost calculator · Electricity prices by state
Sources & accuracy
Wattage: U.S. DOE — Estimating Appliance and Home Electronic Energy Use and ENERGY STAR-grade references (typical figures; ranges shown where relevant). Electricity rate: EIA Electric Power Monthly (March 2026). All public domain. Costs are a transparent calculation (see methodology) and are estimates only — your appliance's actual wattage, your usage and your utility rate may differ. Check the appliance label and your bill before relying on these figures.
Last updated: 2026-06-20