Cost to run

How much electricity does a refrigerator cost?

A refrigerator is plugged in continuously, but its compressor cycles. Wattage and duty cycle therefore matter more than simply entering 24 full-power hours every day.

Reviewed 2026-06-21 · methodology appliance-energy-1.0.0 · data vintage 2026-03-ytd

Example costs using the Texas state-average rate

These are generated examples for a consistent location. Enter your own ZIP and usage below for a more relevant state-average estimate.

Scenario	Assumption	kWh/month	Monthly range	Most likely/year
Lower-use scenario	100 watts with a 25% compressor duty cycle	18.00	$1.88–$4.20	$34.60
Reference scenario	150 watts with a 35% compressor duty cycle	37.80	$3.96–$8.83	$72.66
Higher-use scenario	200 watts with a 50% compressor duty cycle	72.00	$7.54–$16.82	$138.41

Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Electric Power Monthly Table 5.6.B. Data vintage 2026-03-ytd. State-average pricing is not your exact utility tariff.

Calculate your own usage

Your inputs

Your estimate — a range, confidence level, and the sources behind it — will appear here.

Why refrigerator duty cycle matters

The compressor turns on to remove heat and turns off after the cabinet reaches its target temperature. Ambient temperature, door opening, food load, seals, airflow, defrost operation, and appliance condition can all change the percentage of time it runs.

Use measured energy when available

A nameplate watt value represents operating power, not necessarily average daily consumption. A plug-in energy meter or the manufacturer's annual energy label can provide a better starting point than rated watts alone.

Limits of the estimate

The model does not infer efficiency from refrigerator age, style, capacity, or ENERGY STAR status. It also does not diagnose failing seals, compressors, or other maintenance issues.

Frequently asked questions

Should I enter 24 runtime hours for a refrigerator?

Yes, if you also enter a realistic compressor duty cycle. Entering 24 hours with a 100% duty cycle would assume the compressor never switches off.

Is nameplate wattage the same as daily energy use?

No. Nameplate watts describe power while operating. Daily energy also depends on compressor cycling and auxiliary loads such as defrost.

Can this tell whether my refrigerator is inefficient?

No. It estimates cost from the inputs you provide; it does not measure the appliance or compare it with a product-specific efficiency database.

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