How Much Does It Cost to Run a Refrigerator?

Quick answer: The best way to estimate what your refrigerator costs to run is to use its annual kWh figure from the yellow EnergyGuide label, then multiply that number by your electricity rate. For example, a refrigerator rated at 500 kWh per year would cost about $91.55 per year, or about $7.63 per month, at an electricity price of 18.31¢ per kWh.

That is an example, not a national refrigerator average. Refrigerator energy use varies by model, size, configuration, features, age, room conditions, and how the appliance is used.

Refrigerator Running Cost at a Glance

How to Calculate Your Refrigerator’s Electricity Cost

You need two numbers: your refrigerator’s estimated annual electricity use in kWh and your electricity price in dollars per kWh. If you want to understand exactly what that unit means on your utility statement, see our guide to kWh and reading an electric bill.

Annual refrigerator cost = annual kWh × electricity rate

For a refrigerator labeled 500 kWh/year and an electricity rate of $0.1831/kWh:

500 × $0.1831 = $91.55 per year.

Divide by 12 for a simple monthly estimate: $91.55 ÷ 12 = about $7.63 per month.

Where to Find Your Refrigerator’s kWh

For refrigerators sold with an EnergyGuide label, the yellow label is the most useful starting point. The Federal Trade Commission says EnergyGuide labels show consumers how much energy an appliance uses and an estimated annual operating cost based on standardized testing and an assumed energy price.

The annual kWh figure is especially useful because you can recalculate the cost using your own utility rate instead of relying on the label’s estimated dollar cost.

Why the EnergyGuide Dollar Estimate May Not Match Your Bill

The FTC notes that the operating cost on an EnergyGuide label is an estimate. Your actual cost depends on your local electricity price and how you use the appliance.

That is why BoodBill recommends using the label’s kWh/year figure and multiplying it by the electricity rate on your own bill whenever possible.

How Much Does a Refrigerator Cost Per Month?

There is no single monthly cost that applies to every refrigerator. As an example, a model using 500 kWh per year costs about $91.55 per year at 18.31¢/kWh. Dividing that annual estimate by 12 gives about $7.63 per month.

A refrigerator using 300 kWh per year would cost substantially less at the same electricity rate, while a 700 kWh/year model would cost more. The model-specific annual kWh figure matters more than a generic refrigerator average.

How Much Does a Refrigerator Cost Per Day?

Using the same 500 kWh/year example, annual electricity use averages about 1.37 kWh per day. At 18.31¢/kWh, that is roughly 25¢ per day.

This daily number is an annualized average. A refrigerator’s compressor cycles on and off rather than drawing its maximum electrical power continuously, and actual consumption can vary with conditions.

What Changes Refrigerator Energy Use?

Size and Configuration

Larger refrigerators generally have more space to keep cold. Configuration and features also matter, which is why EnergyGuide comparisons are designed around similar appliance categories rather than treating every refrigerator as identical.

Age and Efficiency

Efficiency standards and appliance technology have changed over time. ENERGY STAR says certified refrigerators are about 9% more energy efficient than models that meet the federal minimum efficiency standard. That does not mean every old refrigerator should automatically be replaced; compare the actual energy use and replacement cost before deciding.

Room Temperature and Ventilation

A refrigerator must move heat from inside the cabinet to the surrounding room. Follow the manufacturer’s installation guidance for clearance and ventilation, and avoid conditions that make the appliance work unnecessarily hard.

Door Openings and Usage

Opening the door allows warm room air into the refrigerator. Normal use is expected, but frequent or prolonged door openings can increase the cooling work required afterward.

Does an ENERGY STAR Refrigerator Save Money?

ENERGY STAR currently says certified refrigerators are about 9% more energy efficient than models meeting the federal minimum standard. The dollar savings for a specific household depend on the models being compared, their annual kWh figures, your electricity price, and how long you own the appliance.

When shopping, compare the annual kWh figures of models with the size and features you actually need. A percentage claim is useful context, but model-specific energy consumption gives you a clearer cost comparison.

Should You Replace an Old Refrigerator to Save Electricity?

Not necessarily. Lower electricity use is only one part of the decision. A replacement also has a purchase price, and the potential energy savings depend on how much electricity your current refrigerator uses compared with the new one.

If you can estimate or measure the old refrigerator’s annual kWh, compare it with the EnergyGuide figure for the replacement. Then multiply the difference by your electricity rate to estimate annual savings. If the appliance is an older second refrigerator kept outside the kitchen, see our guide to the true cost of an older garage refrigerator.

For example, reducing consumption by 250 kWh per year would save about $45.78 per year at 18.31¢/kWh. Whether that justifies replacement depends on the appliance’s condition, purchase price, expected life, and other reasons you may have for replacing it.

Simple Ways to Avoid Unnecessary Refrigerator Energy Use

• Use the manufacturer’s recommended temperature settings. Colder than necessary can increase energy use.
• Check that doors seal properly. Damaged or poorly sealing gaskets can allow warm air in.
• Give the appliance appropriate ventilation. Follow the installation clearances in the owner’s manual.
• Avoid leaving the door open longer than necessary.
• Compare annual kWh when buying. The EnergyGuide label makes similar models easier to compare.
• Use your own electricity rate. It gives you a more relevant cost estimate than a generic national price.

Refrigerator Cost Calculator Formula

You can calculate the operating cost of virtually any refrigerator with this formula:

Annual kWh × electricity rate ($/kWh) = annual cost

Then:

• Annual cost ÷ 12 = approximate monthly cost
• Annual cost ÷ 365 = approximate daily cost

If your utility rate is listed in cents per kWh, divide it by 100 first. For example, 18.31¢/kWh becomes $0.1831/kWh.

The Bottom Line

There is no trustworthy single dollar figure for what every refrigerator costs to run. The better method is model-specific: find the refrigerator’s annual kWh on its EnergyGuide label and multiply that by your electricity rate.

For illustration, a refrigerator rated at 500 kWh/year costs about $91.55 per year at 18.31¢/kWh. Replace both of those inputs with your refrigerator’s label and your utility rate, and you will have a much more useful estimate for your home.

Use the main electricity cost calculator when you want to calculate from annual kWh or measured energy use.

Sources

• Federal Trade Commission — How To Use the EnergyGuide Label To Shop for Home Appliances (accessed October 4, 2026).
• Federal Trade Commission — EnergyGuide Labeling FAQs (accessed October 4, 2026).
• ENERGY STAR — Refrigerators (accessed October 4, 2026).
• U.S. Energy Information Administration — Electric Power Monthly (July 2026 residential electricity price used for examples; accessed October 4, 2026).