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There is no single electricity-use figure that applies to every refrigerator: consumption depends on its size, configuration, model, and operating conditions. As a dated example, ENERGY STAR’s 2024 quick reference puts an ENERGY STAR certified side-by-side refrigerator at about 630 kWh per year. To find out what your own refrigerator uses, measure its cumulative kWh with a compatible plug-in electricity monitor over several days, then multiply the measured or annualized kWh by your electricity rate to estimate its energy cost.
How much electricity does a refrigerator use per day or year?
Refrigerator electricity consumption is usually expressed in kilowatt-hours (kWh) over a period of time. An appliance’s instantaneous watt reading is not the same as its daily or annual energy use: refrigerators cycle on and off, so a single watt reading cannot tell you how much energy they use over a day.
There is no established current average that represents all household refrigerators. One useful point of reference is ENERGY STAR’s 2024 Quick Reference Guide, which gives about 630 kWh per year for an ENERGY STAR certified side-by-side refrigerator. That is an example for that refrigerator type, not a universal average or a prediction for your particular appliance.
For a rough daily equivalent, divide an annual figure by 365. The 630 kWh/year example works out to about 1.7 kWh per day, but that is only an arithmetic conversion of the guide’s example—not a separate measurement or a guarantee of daily use.
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How do you measure your refrigerator’s electricity use?
A plug-in electricity monitor can measure energy consumed by an individual refrigerator. Choose a monitor compatible with the refrigerator’s plug and outlet, rated for the appliance’s electrical requirements, and able to display accumulated energy in kWh. A power monitor is a practical household measurement tool; Colorado State University Extension’s power-monitor guide includes a refrigerator example.
- Check the connection and monitor rating. Locate the refrigerator’s plug and outlet, then confirm that the monitor supports the outlet and supply requirements. Do not use a monitor that is not rated for the appliance.
- Connect the monitor. Plug the monitor into the wall outlet and the refrigerator into the monitor, following the monitor’s instructions.
- Let it record normal use. Leave the refrigerator operating as usual. Avoid changing temperature settings or household routines during the measurement, since that makes the result less representative.
- Record cumulative kWh. A full day is a practical starting point. Several days or a week is more useful if daily conditions or use vary. A short reading may miss normal operating cycles and should not be treated as a formal efficiency test.
For an estimate based on an observation lasting d days, use:
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Estimated annual use (kWh) = measured kWh ÷ number of days observed × 365
For example, if the monitor records 4 kWh over two days, the annualized estimate is 4 ÷ 2 × 365 = 730 kWh per year. This is an estimate based on that observed period; seasonal conditions and household use can change consumption. Australian Government energy audit guidance describes metering options and advises accounting for daily, monthly, and seasonal variation.
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How much does it cost to run a refrigerator?
To estimate the energy component of the cost, multiply the energy used by the electricity price per kWh on your bill:
- Cost for the measured period: kWh recorded × electricity price per kWh.
- Estimated annual energy cost: annualized kWh × current electricity price per kWh.
Use the rate that applies to your home. The result estimates the cost of the electricity consumed; it may not equal the full amount attributable to the refrigerator on a bill that includes other charges.
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An EnergyGuide label also shows estimated yearly electricity use and estimated yearly operating cost. The cost printed on the label relies on an assumed electricity price, so it may differ from your utility’s rate. A U.S. Department of Energy EnergyGuide sample shows 630 kWh as estimated yearly use and $67 as estimated yearly operating cost. Those are figures from an illustrative sample label in 2015 DOE webinar material—not a current cost estimate for your home. DOE’s label explanation states, “Your cost will depend on your utility rates and use of the product.”
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Why can a meter reading differ from an EnergyGuide estimate?
EnergyGuide’s annual kWh figure is based on a standardized test, while a plug-in monitor records one appliance under the conditions and usage observed in your home. The U.S. federal test procedure specifies how annual energy use is measured for refrigerators, refrigerator-freezers, and miscellaneous refrigeration products. The regulation describes its purpose as measuring annual energy use in kWh per year, along with refrigerated and adjusted volume: 10 CFR Part 430, Appendix A.
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The standardized figure helps compare models consistently; a household reading reflects actual conditions during the measurement period. Different observation periods, seasonal conditions, and use can therefore produce different results. Neither figure should be treated as a promise of the other.
How to compare refrigerator energy use before buying
Use annual kWh figures on EnergyGuide labels to compare refrigerators with similar types and capacities. A large side-by-side model is not a like-for-like comparison with a compact refrigerator; size and configuration affect consumption. DOE’s Consumer Guide to Kitchen Appliances explains how EnergyGuide supports comparisons and notes that larger refrigerators generally use more energy.
Quick Recap
- Compare the annual kWh figures, rather than relying only on estimated label cost.
- Match refrigerator type and capacity as closely as possible.
- Apply the same local electricity rate to each model’s annual kWh to estimate and compare energy costs.
- For additional efficiency context, check ENERGY STAR’s refrigerator criteria page. It states that consumer refrigerators and refrigerator-freezers of at least 7.75 cubic feet must use 10% less measured energy than the minimum federal efficiency standards; the page says the criteria changed on August 5, 2021.
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