Yearly savings with a new fridge
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How much electricity does a refrigerator use?
A refrigerator runs around the clock, so even modest power adds up. A new 20 – 22 cubic foot model typically uses about 450 – 650 kWh per year, depending on style. Fridges made before US efficiency standards tightened in 1993 and 2001 often use 1,000 – 1,800 kWh. FrostWatt estimates consumption from the size, style and age of your fridge, then adjusts for location and condition.
Yearly cost = kWh per year × electricity price
Typical consumption (21 cu ft, bottom freezer)
| Made | kWh / year | Cost at $0.17/kWh |
|---|
| Before 1993 | ≈ 1,400 | ≈ $240 |
| 1993 – 2000 | ≈ 1,050 | ≈ $180 |
| 2001 – 2013 | ≈ 760 | ≈ $130 |
| 2014 – 2020 | ≈ 550 | ≈ $95 |
| New ENERGY STAR | ≈ 430 | ≈ $73 |
Style matters
Top-freezer refrigerators are the most efficient design for a given size. Side-by-side models and units with through-the-door ice and water dispensers use noticeably more energy. A bigger fridge than you need also costs more to run – but one large fridge is usually cheaper than two small ones.
The second fridge in the garage
Many households move the old kitchen fridge to the garage as a beverage fridge. In summer heat it can use far more electricity than its label suggests, and in a cold garage some models stop keeping the freezer frozen. Unless you really need the space, unplugging and recycling it is often the single easiest energy saving in the house.
Tips to cut fridge costs
- Keep the fridge at 37 – 40 °F (3 – 4 °C) and the freezer at 0 °F (−18 °C).
- Vacuum the condenser coils once or twice a year.
- Check the door seal with a sheet of paper – if it slides out easily, replace the gasket.
- Leave a few inches of space around the back and top for ventilation.
- Don't put hot food straight in; let it cool briefly (within two hours for food safety).
Buying a new refrigerator
Compare the yellow EnergyGuide label's kWh per year between models of the same size, look for ENERGY STAR certification, and measure your space including door swing and ventilation clearance. Many utilities offer rebates on efficient models and free pickup of old units.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to run a refrigerator?
A new 20 – 22 cu ft fridge typically costs $70 – $110 a year at $0.17/kWh; a 1990s model can cost $180 – $250.
Is it worth replacing a 15-year-old fridge?
Often yes, especially if it's a side-by-side or sits in a hot garage. Compare its estimated running cost with a new ENERGY STAR model.
Does a garage fridge use more electricity?
Yes. High garage temperatures can increase consumption by 30 % or more in summer.
What temperature should my fridge be?
37 – 40 °F (3 – 4 °C) for the fridge and 0 °F (−18 °C) for the freezer.
How can I measure my fridge's electricity use?
Plug it into an inexpensive plug-in energy meter for a week and multiply to a year.
About FrostWatt
FrostWatt is an independent, free calculator for estimating refrigerator and freezer running costs. Consumption figures are typical values based on US efficiency standards by era; your model's EnergyGuide label or a plug-in meter gives exact numbers. We are not affiliated with any appliance brand or utility.
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The methodology combines widely published engineering rules of thumb, manufacturer data sheets and the electrical code practices that installers use every day. We review the assumptions regularly and update the calculator when typical product specifications change.
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