While it may not be the top energy consumer in your home, your refrigerator is still responsible for a considerable portion of your monthly power consumption.
Our cost calculator below can help you estimate how much it will cost you to run your refrigerator every month.
Kilowatts measure the rate at which electricity moves through an appliance. More kilowatts mean more electricity, and bigger refrigerators will typically use more watts.
To calculate the kilowatts of your fridge, look on the inside wall for the details sticker. You can calculate kilowatts by multiplying amps and volts and dividing by 1000.
From there, you can calculate kilowatts by multiplying amps and volts and dividing by 1000.
Kilowatts = (Amps x Volts) / 1000
Refrigerators cycle on and off depending on their inside temperature, so their electricity usage varies day to day. To get the most accurate estimate of the cost of running your fridge, you need to calculate your running wattage. To calculate the running wattage, simply divide the total watts by 3.
Running Wattage = Kilowatts / 3
According to US Energy Information Administration, the average cost of electricity in the U.S. is 13 cents/kWh. However, this number can vary depending on your electricity supplier. Today, people in some states have the power to shop for their electricity and find cheaper rates.
Size | Volume (in cubic feet) | Avg Watts | Cost / hr* | Cost / month* |
---|---|---|---|---|
Mini Fridge | <7 | 28 W | 0.36¢ | $2.6 |
Small Fridge | 7 to 15 | 40 W | 0.52¢ | $3.74 |
Medium Fridge | 15 to 18 | 50 W | 0.65¢ | $4.68 |
Large Fridge | 18 - 23 | 57 W | 0.74¢ | $5.32 |
Very Large Fridge | 23+ | 77 W | 1¢ | $7.2 |
The cost of running your fridge can vary greatly depending on several factors.
1.
Where your fridge is located
2.
Your kitchen's temperature
3.
The age of the fridge
4.
Size of the fridge
5.
The number of things you have inside your fridge
1.
Replace the gaskets
2.
Get an ENERGY STAR rated refrigerator
3.
Buy a thermometer to get an accurate read on your fridge temperature
4.
Keep it closed
5.
Clean it regularly
6.
Wait until your food cools before you store it
7.
Set your fridge to the right temperature
8.
Defrost your refrigerator and freezer
9.
Choose Perch Energy