How Much Does a Refrigerator Cost to Run? (2026 Calculator)
Quick rate
Daily cost
$0.59
Monthly cost
$17.74
Yearly cost
$215.87
kWh / month
108.0 kWh
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ad-after-calculator Quick answer
A typical refrigerator uses about 150 W and costs about $0.60/day or $18.14/month at the U.S. average rate of $0.17/kWh, assuming 24 hours of use per day. At the same rate, costs range from about $0.40/day (100 W) to $1.01/day (250 W).
Cost by state (monthly)
At typical 150 W and 24 h/day. Rates from our dataset (see methodology ). Open a state for a dedicated calculator page.
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ad-after-state-table Wattage range
| Level | Watts | Est. monthly @ avg rate |
|---|---|---|
| Low | 100 W | $11.83 |
| Typical | 150 W | $17.74 |
| High | 250 W | $29.57 |
Energy saving tips
- Choose ENERGY STAR or high-efficiency models when replacing this appliance.
- Check and adjust temperature or power settings to the recommended levels.
- Keep the appliance well maintained so it can run efficiently.
- Keep the door closed as much as possible and avoid overfilling.
- Clean condenser coils regularly and leave space around the appliance for airflow.
FAQ
- How many watts does a refrigerator use?
- Most refrigerator units fall between 100 W and 250 W, with 150 W as a typical operating value for estimates.
- refrigerator wattage
- Our estimates use 150 W as the typical wattage, within a reported range of 100–250 W.
- How much electricity does a refrigerator use?
- At typical use (24 hours/day at 150 W), the estimate is about 3.60 kWh/day and 108.0 kWh/month at the U.S. average rate.
- How many kWh does a refrigerator use per day?
- With 24 hours/day and 150 W, this appliance uses about 3.60 kWh per day.
- How many kWh does a refrigerator use per month?
- At 24 hours/day, the monthly estimate is about 108.0 kWh per month.
- refrigerator kWh per hour
- Per hour, the typical draw is about 0.150 kWh (at 150 W).
- How much does it cost to run a refrigerator per day?
- At the U.S. average electricity rate of $0.17/kWh, the typical daily cost is about $0.60/day for 24 hours/day.
- How much does it cost to run a refrigerator per month?
- At the U.S. average electricity rate of $0.17/kWh, the typical monthly cost is about $18.14/month at 24 hours/day.
- How much does it cost to run a refrigerator per hour?
- Running for one hour at 150 W costs about $0.03/hour (using 0.17 $/kWh as the U.S. average).
- How much does refrigerator cost to run?
- With typical use (24 hours/day at 150 W), the estimate is about $0.60/day or $18.14/month at the U.S. average rate.
- How much does refrigerator add to electric bill?
- The estimate is about 108.0 kWh per month, which corresponds to roughly $18.14/month at the U.S. average rate. Your real bill depends on your rate and runtime.
- How to reduce refrigerator electricity cost?
- Use energy-saving tips tailored to this appliance. For example: Choose ENERGY STAR or high-efficiency models when replacing this appliance. — reducing kWh reduces the bill at your local rate.
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