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ElectricityCost Guide

Refrigerator Cost per Month

Updated July 2026 rate dataKitchen & LaundrySourced from ENERGY STAR — Refrigerators

Age and placement decide more than size: an old unit, or a fridge sitting in a warm garage, runs its compressor far more often than a current model in a kitchen. Enter the kWh per year from your EnergyGuide label below.

Quick pick

EIA residential average, July 2026. Your utility's exact rate is on your bill.

Rate applied
18.31¢ /kWh
U.S. average
450 kWh
150 kWh2,000 kWh
Common setups
Per hour
—
Per day
$0.23
1.23 kWh
Per month
$6.87
38 kWh
Per year
$82
450 kWh

Run like this for a year and it adds about $82 to your electricity bill.

The most accurate input is your machine's yellow EnergyGuide label (kWh/year) — it's printed on the unit or available on the manufacturer page.

Energy: 1.23 kWh per day · 450 kWh per year, at 18.31¢/kWh (U.S. average).

A modern refrigerator in a clean kitchen with its doors closed

What changes the number

Age is the big variable

Fridge efficiency varies by model, age, condition and size. Compare each unit's EnergyGuide kWh/year using your electricity rate; a replacement's payback depends on the purchase price, actual energy use and whether your rate changes.

Size and configuration

More volume generally means more energy. Configuration and individual model design also matter, so compare EnergyGuide annual-use estimates for similarly sized refrigerators rather than assuming one style always costs less.

Placement and temperature setting

A refrigerator in a hot garage may run longer, and some models are not designed for that temperature range. Check the manufacturer’s instructions. Use an appliance thermometer to keep the refrigerator at 40°F or below and the freezer at 0°F.

Cut the cost

Biggest savings first.

  1. Find the EnergyGuide kWh/year on your unit and enter it above — that beats any generic estimate.
  2. If your manual recommends coil cleaning, follow its instructions and disconnect power first.
  3. Inspect door seals for visible damage or gaps; replace a worn gasket following the manufacturer's guidance.
  4. If you retire a second refrigerator, move or safely discard perishable food before unplugging it.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to run a refrigerator per month?

Typical modern fridge: about $5–9/month at the U.S. average rate (18.31¢/kWh). Old units (1,200 kWh/yr) run $18+/month. In Hawaii the same fridge costs about 3× the Nevada figure.

How many kWh does a refrigerator use per day?

A modern 450 kWh/year fridge averages 1.2 kWh/day. Older units often run 3–4 kWh/day. Your utility meter can confirm: read it with the fridge's breaker off vs. on over an hour.

Is it worth replacing a 20-year-old refrigerator?

It depends on the refrigerator's actual annual use, your electricity rate, and the replacement price. Compare the EnergyGuide kWh/year values and estimate yearly savings before deciding; payback is the purchase cost divided by annual bill savings.

Sources

Rate basis: EIA residential average, July 2026 (retrieved from Electric Power Monthly Table 5.6.A). Estimates are for planning, not billing.

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