How much does it cost to run a refrigerator? ($6.12/mo)
Running a refrigerator costs about $6.12 / month
($0.20/day at 8 h/day, $0.17/kWh).
($0.20/day at 8 h/day, $0.17/kWh).
Running cost calculator
Per hour—
Per day—
Per month—
Per year—
Energy/mo—
A refrigerator runs around the clock, but its compressor only draws power in cycles - so a 150 W fridge uses far less than 150 W non-stop.
Cost at different electricity rates
| Electricity rate | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| $0.10/kWh | $0.12 | $3.60 | $43.80 |
| $0.15/kWh | $0.18 | $5.40 | $65.70 |
| $0.20/kWh | $0.24 | $7.20 | $87.60 |
| $0.25/kWh | $0.30 | $9.00 | $109.50 |
| $0.30/kWh | $0.36 | $10.80 | $131.40 |
| $0.40/kWh | $0.48 | $14.40 | $175.20 |
Cost over time
| Per hour of use | $0.03 |
| Per day (8 h) | $0.20 |
| Per month | $6.12 |
| Per year | $74.46 |
How to spend less
- Run it fewer hours or on an eco / lower setting.
- Upgrade to a more efficient model (check the energy label).
- Use a smart plug or timer to kill standby and idle draw.
Want the raw figure? See how many watts a refrigerator uses.
FAQ
How many watts does a refrigerator use?
Most home refrigerators draw 100-250 watts while the compressor runs, averaging about 150 W.
How much does a fridge cost to run per month?
Roughly 6 to 12 dollars a month at $0.17/kWh, since the compressor only runs part of the time.