APPLIANCE COST GUIDE
How much does a refrigerator cost to run?
Refrigerators stay plugged in all day but cycle their compressor. Temperature, door openings, age and seals change the effective duty cycle.
Editable estimate
Calculate running cost
Results update as you type.
Estimated monthly cost—30-day month
Daily—
Annual—
Daily energy—
Annual energy—
kW × effective runtime × rate. Effective runtime = hours/day × duty cycle.
Ways to lower this cost
See all savings tips →Was this useful?
RATE COMPARISON
How your rate changes the cost
Same appliance inputs, using May 2026 EIA residential averages.
Data updatedEIA residential prices · May 2026View Table 5.6.A
Make the estimate more accurate
- EnergyGuide annual kWh is usually better than nameplate watts.
- Check door seals and ventilation space.
- Use a higher duty cycle for a hot garage.
Presets are estimates. Use your model label, an EnergyGuide figure or a safe meter reading when available.