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Refrigerator Energy Cost Calculator

Your refrigerator runs 24/7, making it one of the highest energy-consuming appliances in your home. Use this calculator to find out exactly how much your fridge costs to run based on its annual energy consumption from the EnergyGuide label.

Annual kWh from your fridge's EnergyGuide label (average US fridge uses 400-600 kWh/year)

Your electricity rate per kilowatt-hour

How to Use

1 Find the yellow EnergyGuide sticker on your refrigerator
2 Enter the estimated yearly electricity use in kWh
3 Enter your electricity rate from your utility bill
4 View your estimated daily, monthly, and yearly running costs

Formula

Yearly Cost yearly_cost = annual_kwh × price_per_kwh
Monthly Cost monthly_cost = yearly_cost ÷ 12
Daily Cost daily_cost = yearly_cost ÷ 365

Example: Standard Refrigerator

A refrigerator that uses 400 kWh per year at $0.12/kWh costs $48.00 per year, $4.00 per month, or about $0.13 per day to run.

Why It Matters

Refrigerators are the appliance that never turns off, running 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. An old, inefficient fridge can cost 3-4 times more to run than a modern Energy Star model. Understanding your fridge's energy cost helps justify the investment in an energy-efficient replacement.

Who Uses This Calculator?

  • • Homeowners and renters estimating electricity costs, appliance usage, solar savings, or EV charging expenses.
  • • Solar shoppers, EV owners, and households comparing energy upgrades before requesting quotes or changing usage habits.
  • • Anyone who wants a quick estimate of home energy costs using clear assumptions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do I find my refrigerator's annual energy use?
Look for the yellow EnergyGuide sticker on your refrigerator, usually inside the fresh food compartment or on the back. It shows the estimated yearly electricity use in kWh. You can also find this information on the manufacturer's website or in your owner's manual.
How much does a refrigerator cost to run per month?
The average US refrigerator costs about $4-8 per month to run. Older refrigerators (10+ years) can cost $10-15+ per month. Modern Energy Star refrigerators typically use 300-500 kWh per year, while older models may use 700-1000+ kWh.
Should I replace my old refrigerator to save money?
If your fridge is over 15 years old, replacing it with an Energy Star model can save $50-100+ per year on electricity. Over the 15-20 year lifespan of a new fridge, the energy savings can more than pay for the cost of the new appliance.
Does a full refrigerator use more electricity?
Slightly, but a moderately full refrigerator is actually more efficient because the thermal mass of the food helps maintain temperature, so the compressor runs less. An empty fridge wastes energy because the cold air escapes every time you open the door.

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This calculator provides estimates for informational purposes only. Verify results with a qualified professional for important decisions.