Refrigerator electricity cost

Why use the yearly kWh figure?

A refrigerator's compressor switches on and off to hold the temperature, so it rarely draws its rated wattage around the clock. Multiplying the wattage on the rating plate by 24 hours a day usually overstates its use. The yearly figure on an energy label comes from a standard test, which makes it a better basis for an estimate and for comparing models.

Where to find it

Look for a figure in kWh per year on the appliance's energy label, for example the EnergyGuide label in the United States, or the figure shown as kWh/annum on energy labels in the UK and EU. The manufacturer's specifications often list it too. If there is no label, a plug-in energy monitor left in place for several days gives a measured figure for your own kitchen.

Real use can differ

• Label figures come from test conditions, not your home.
• A warm room, frequent door opening, a colder setting, worn door seals or an older unit can increase use.
• The same method works for freezers and combined fridge-freezers.

Example

An illustrative label figure of 400 kWh per year at an illustrative price of $0.20 per kWh costs 400 × $0.20 = $80 a year. That is 400 ÷ 12 = 33.33 kWh, or $6.67, in an average month. Use your own label figure and price for your estimate.

Comparing two refrigerators

Add each model to your comparison with its own label figure, then open the energy dashboard to see the difference per year. For example, a model using 100 kWh less per year saves 100 × $0.20 = $20 a year at the same illustrative price.