Cost to run a refrigerator
Laundry & kitchen · typical wattage 150 W (100 W-800 W)
A refrigerator draws about 100 W-800 W (typically 150 W). At typical usage it uses about 600 kWh/year, which costs roughly $9.28/month and $111/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.
Refrigerator at a glance
| Figure | Refrigerator |
|---|---|
| Typical running wattage | 150 W (100 W-800 W) |
| Assumed usage | 600 kWh/yr typical |
| Energy used | 600 kWh per year |
| Cost per month @ 18.56¢ | $9.28 |
| Cost per year @ 18.56¢ | $111 |
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) | $10.02 | $122 |
| Typical use (24 h/day) | $20.04 | $244 |
| Heavy use (36 h/day) | $30.07 | $366 |
Cost at different state rates
The same refrigerator at typical usage, priced at a few representative state rates:
| Rate | Cost / month | Cost / year |
|---|---|---|
| US average (18.56¢) | $9.28 | $111 |
| Washington (14.40¢) | $7.20 | $86.40 |
| Texas (16.39¢) | $8.20 | $98.34 |
| California (33.35¢) | $16.68 | $200 |
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 modern fridge uses roughly 400–800 kWh/year. It runs 24/7 but the compressor cycles, averaging around 100–200 W; older units use far more.
Tip to cut the cost: Keep coils clean and the fridge full; replacing a pre-2001 unit can save over 1,000 kWh/year.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to run a refrigerator?
At the US average residential rate of 18.56¢/kWh, a refrigerator (about 100 W-800 W, typically 150 W) used at typical levels costs roughly $9.28 per month and $111 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 refrigerator use?
A modern fridge uses roughly 400–800 kWh/year. It runs 24/7 but the compressor cycles, averaging around 100–200 W; older units use far more.
How much electricity does a refrigerator use per year?
About 600 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 refrigerator?
Keep coils clean and the fridge full; replacing a pre-2001 unit can save over 1,000 kWh/year.
Keep exploring
- More laundry & kitchen: Electric clothes dryer, Washing machine, Dishwasher, Standalone freezer
- 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