DECISION GUIDE
Refrigerator Electricity Cost Calculator
Refrigerators stay plugged in all day but cycle their compressor. Temperature, door openings, age and seals change the effective duty cycle.
Direct answer: The editable 150 W preset at 35% compressor duty uses 1.26 kWh per day and costs about $6.97 per 30-day month or $84.81 per year at the U.S. average rate. Use the exact model EnergyGuide annual kWh when available.
Editable estimate
Calculate and compare
Results update as you type.
kW × effective runtime × rate. Effective runtime = hours/day × duty cycle.
Baseline vs scenario
Compare two annual energy-use estimates.
Old vs new appliance payback
Use annual kWh for both models. Leave rebate at $0 unless you have a confirmed amount.
Simple payback = net upfront cost ÷ annual electricity-cost savings. Excludes financing, maintenance, rate changes and time value of money.
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Ways to lower this cost
See all savings tips →ANNUAL KWH FIRST
Start with the label, not 24 hours of nameplate math
A refrigerator stays plugged in all day, but its compressor cycles. EnergyGuide annual kWh for the exact model usually gives a stronger yearly estimate than multiplying nameplate watts by 24 continuous hours.
Conditions that change compressor runtime
- Frequent door openings and worn door seals add warm, humid air.
- High room or garage temperature can increase duty cycle.
- Size, age, ventilation clearance, and temperature setting affect use.
- A second refrigerator in a garage may operate under different conditions than the kitchen unit.
Enter annual kWh in the calculator annual mode for a label-based monthly and yearly result. Use runtime mode only as an editable fallback. ENERGY STAR refrigerator guidance and FTC EnergyGuide provide context.
Refrigerator cost quick answers
What is the monthly cost to run a refrigerator?
Divide annual electricity cost by 12. With the current runtime preset, the estimate is about $6.97 per 30-day month; an exact EnergyGuide annual-kWh entry is preferable.
What is the yearly refrigerator electricity cost?
Multiply annual kWh by your electricity rate. The current editable runtime preset is about $84.81 per year.
Should I use annual kWh or nameplate watts?
Use exact-model annual kWh when available because it accounts for typical compressor cycling. Nameplate watts with an estimated duty cycle is a fallback.
Will a garage refrigerator cost more?
It can when ambient temperatures are high or ventilation is poor, but the exact model, season, seals, and use determine the result.
RATE COMPARISON
How your rate changes the cost
Same appliance inputs, using May 2026 EIA residential averages.
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 annual-kWh figure or a safe meter reading when available. Compare old and new appliance payback.