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Electricity cost guide

Refrigerator Cost Calculator

Refrigerators operate all day but cycle their compressor, making effective runtime more useful than multiplying nameplate watts by 24 hours.

150 W starting input 8 hr/day No sign-up

Typical starting estimate

$6.64/month36.0 kWh at 18.44¢/kWh

Your inputs

Calculate operating cost

watts
hours
days
$/kWh
EIA residential average price, not a utility-specific rate. Your bill’s all-in rate gives the best personal estimate.

Live estimate

Estimated monthly cost$6.64at 18.44¢ per kWh
Per day$0.22
Per year$81
Monthly use36.0 kWh
Transparent calculation(150 W ÷ 1,000) × 8 hr × 30 days × $0.184/kWh

Actual use can differ when equipment cycles or changes power. Measure at the wall when precision matters.

How the refrigerator estimate works

The calculator converts watts to kilowatts, multiplies by effective runtime, and then applies the electricity price. With the starting inputs, this refrigerator uses about 36.0 kWh per month.

150 W ÷ 1,000 × 8 hours × 30 days × $0.1844/kWh = $6.64

Age, size, room temperature, door openings, ice makers, and compressor cycling can move the result substantially.

How runtime changes the estimate

Daily runtimeMonthly useMonthly cost
1 hour/day4.5 kWh$0.83
4 hours/day18.0 kWh$3.32
8 hours/day36.0 kWh$6.64

These scenarios assume the device draws the full starting wattage for the entire runtime. Cycling and variable-speed equipment should use effective runtime or measured kWh.

Estimated monthly cost in high-price states

State2026-05 average priceEstimated cost
Hawaii52.00¢/kWh$18.72/mo
California33.25¢/kWh$11.97/mo
New York29.93¢/kWh$10.77/mo
Rhode Island29.46¢/kWh$10.61/mo

Practical ways to reduce cost

  • Leave ventilation space around the cabinet.
  • Check door gaskets for a reliable seal.
  • Use the EnergyGuide annual kWh figure when available.

Compare related equipment

Dishwasher27.0 kWh/mo →Electric Oven37.5 kWh/mo →Electric Range Burner27.0 kWh/mo →Microwave Oven5.4 kWh/mo →

Frequently asked questions

How much electricity does a refrigerator use?

Using a 150-watt starting input for 8 hours per day and 30 days per month produces an estimate of 36.0 kWh per month. Actual use can differ because equipment may cycle or change power.

How much does it cost to run a refrigerator each month?

At the latest 2026-05 U.S. residential average price of 18.44 cents per kWh, the starting estimate is $6.64 per month. Replace the inputs with your own numbers for a personal estimate.

What number should I use for the electricity price?

Divide the total electric charges on your latest bill by the total kWh used for an all-in price. State averages are useful for comparison but are not utility-specific rates.

Data source

U.S. Energy Information Administration, Electricity Retail Sales, residential average price. Latest monthly data: 2026-05; comparison baseline: 2025 annual. Verified 2026-08-05. Monthly prices can vary seasonally and are not utility-specific rates.

View EIA data