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How Much Electricity Does a Refrigerator Use?
6 minute read • Last update August 2024
How much electricity does a fridge use?
Refrigerators use between 300-800 kWh of electricity per year, about 1-2 kWh per day. Refrigerator operation can cost between $100-$150 per year.
The amount of energy consumed by a refrigerator will depend on the size of the fridge (cubic square feet), the age of the appliance, the type of fridge (door configuration), and the location of your home.
Refrigerators that are smaller, younger, have fewer doors that are opened less often, and reside in colder climates will use the least amount of electricity. Conversely, very large, old refrigerators that are opened regularly in very hot regions of the world will use much more electricity. New refrigerators are also typically much more energy efficient due to enhanced technology.
Did you know that your refrigerator is one of the most energy-consuming appliances in your home? They are larger than most appliances and are always running. You can discover how much energy a refrigerator is estimated to use annually by checking the Energy Guide label on the back or the side of the appliance.
Understanding refrigerator energy consumption
Knowing how much energy your fridge consumes and the factors that affect its consumption can help you manage and reduce your energy usage, resulting in lower electricity costs and a smaller carbon footprint. It can also help inform your next refrigerator purchase decision.
Factors affecting energy consumption
Refrigerator energy consumption depends on various factors, such as:
- Size: Larger refrigerators may consume more energy than smaller ones.
- Frequency of Use: Refrigerators that are used several times per day will consume more energy than those that are used rarely because it requires a lot of energy to bring the temperature back down after opening the door.
- Age: Older models may use more electricity than newer, more energy efficient models.
- Location: The temperature outside of the refrigerator impacts electricity usage as well. The warmer it is outside, the more energy is needed to keep the fridge and its contents cool.
Calculate your refrigerator’s electricity usage with the Energy Guide label
The Energy Guide label, found on all appliances sold at retail stores, provides an estimate of the refrigerator’s annual electricity consumption in kilowatt-hours (kWh) and its estimated yearly operating cost based on the national average electricity rate.
Use the details on the Energy Guide label to calculate your refrigerator’s daily and hourly energy consumption, which can help enhance your understanding and management of your appliance’s energy usage.
If a refrigerator is estimated to use 300 kWh per year, you can expect it to use about 25 kWh per month, and about 0.8 kWh per day.
A refrigerator with an annual estimated usage of 800 kWh per would use about 67 kWh per month, and 2.2 kWh per day.
How much does it cost to run a refrigerator?
The average refrigerator can use about $100 worth of electricity per year depending on your fridge model, your TDU region, and the energy efficiency of the appliance.
The cost of running a refrigerator can be a significant portion of your monthly electricity bill. You can calculate the energy cost of your refrigerator with the annual kWh usage of the appliance and the energy charge and utility pass through charges from your energy plan’s Electricity Facts Label.
Learn how to calculate your electricity bill.
How to calculate the electricity cost of a refrigerator
- First, find the annual kWh usage of your refrigerator on the Energy Guide label on your refrigerator. If the label is no longer on your fridge, try searching your model number online.
- Next, find the Electricity Facts Label from your energy plan. You’ll need the Energy Charge and TDU Delivery Charge (may be listed as TDU Pass Through Charge).
- Last, multiply the annual kWh usage by the sum of the Energy Charge and TDU Delivery Charge.
Here’s the formula:
Electricity Cost = Annual kWh Usage x (Energy Charge + TDU Delivery Charge)
If your refrigerator consumes 500 kWh of electricity annually and you live in Dallas (the Oncor TDU region) with an electricity plan that has an Energy Charge of $0.14 cents per kWh, your annual spending on energy for your fridge would be about $95.
Here’s how the math works out:
500 kWh x ($0.14 + $0.050339) = $95.17
A refrigerator that uses 800 kWh annually, would cost about $150 per year to operate given the same Energy Charge and TDU region.
How does your energy bill stack up to the average in Texas?
Energy efficiency and refrigerators
Energy efficiency is paramount in managing your refrigerator’s energy consumption, with the ENERGY STAR certification being a vital element to ponder when selecting an energy-efficient appliance. Understanding the advantages of an energy-efficient refrigerator and the significance of the ENERGY STAR certification allows you to make informed decisions about your appliance purchases, contributing to a more sustainable future.
What is ENERGY STAR?
ENERGY STAR is a government-backed program that helps consumers identify energy-efficient products. Products with the ENERGY STAR certification have met strict energy efficiency criteria and use at least 20% less energy than the minimum federal standards.
By choosing energy star appliances, you can save money on your electricity bill and contribute to a cleaner environment.
Benefits of an energy-efficient refrigerator
The benefits of energy efficient refrigerators include:
- Lower energy consumption
- Reduced electricity bills
- Smaller environmental footprint
Mini fridges and their energy usage
Mini fridges, although smaller than their full-sized counterparts, still consume electricity and contribute to your overall energy consumption.
Average energy consumption of a mini fridge
An average mini-fridge uses 90 watts of electricity, which, considering the size of the appliance, can be quite significant. In the United States, mini-fridge owners spend around $37 per year on electricity to power their appliances.
Understanding your mini fridge’s energy consumption enables you to make informed decisions about its usage and the potential for energy savings.
Energy efficiency tips for mini fridges
To improve the energy efficiency of your mini fridge, consider proper placement away from heat sources, regular maintenance such as cleaning coils and checking door seals, and keeping the door closed as much as possible.
Implementing these tips can help your mini fridge operate at peak efficiency, thereby reducing its energy consumption and your electricity bill.
Reducing your refrigerator’s power consumption
Reducing your refrigerator’s power consumption can lead to significant energy savings and a smaller environmental footprint. By following maintenance tips and adopting habits for energy savings, you can ensure that your refrigerator operates at peak efficiency, lowering its energy consumption and your electricity costs.
Maintenance tips
Regular maintenance can help decrease your refrigerators energy consumption, including:
- Cleaning the coils
- Checking the door seals
- Keeping the refrigerator away from heat sources
Proper maintenance not only helps reduce energy consumption but also extends the life of your appliance, ensuring that it operates at peak efficiency for years to come.
Habits for energy savings
Adopting habits such as keeping the refrigerator door closed as much as possible, organizing the interior for easy access, and defrosting regularly can lead to significant energy savings.
Adopting these habits can help you run a refrigerator more efficiently, thus lowering its energy consumption and your electricity costs.
Energy use and cost of refrigerators
In conclusion, understanding your refrigerator’s energy consumption and implementing energy-saving tips and habits can lead to significant savings on your electricity bill and contribute to a greener future. By upgrading to energy-efficient appliances, performing regular maintenance, and even considering solar panels as an alternative power source, you can take control of your refrigerator’s energy usage and make a positive impact on the environment.
Frequently asked questions
How much electricity does a fridge use per day?
On average, a fridge will use between 1 to 2 kilowatts per hour each day, equating to approximately $80-$150 per year, depending on the size of the fridge and its energy efficiency.
How much does it cost to run a fridge per month?
Running a refrigerator typically costs around $6-$15 per month.
What uses the most electricity in a home?
Heating and cooling appliances are the biggest electricity consumers in the average home, accounting for up to 50% of total usage. Water heaters, lighting, refrigerators, washers and dryers, electric ovens, dishwashers, and TVs all contribute to electricity consumption as well.
What are the benefits of upgrading to an ENERGY STAR-certified refrigerator?
Upgrading to an ENERGY STAR-certified refrigerator can provide substantial benefits such as reduced electricity bills and a smaller environmental footprint, all while consuming less energy.
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