How Much Electricity Does a Refrigerator Use per Month?

A modern ENERGY STAR refrigerator uses about 350 kWh a year, or roughly 30 kWh a month. At the current U.S. average electricity price, that is about $5 to $6 a month. An old unit from the 1980s can use around 2,000 kWh a year, which works out to roughly 165 kWh and $30 a month. Your real number depends on the age, size and condition of your fridge, and this guide shows you how to find it.

The EIA expects the average U.S. residential price to be about 18.2 cents per kWh in 2026. All the costs below use that figure. Swap in the rate from your own bill for a more accurate result.

How much electricity does a refrigerator use per month?

A refrigerator runs 24 hours a day, so its use barely changes from month to month. To get a monthly figure, divide the yearly kWh by 12. According to Direct Energy, a typical ENERGY STAR model uses about 350 kWh a year, while a 1980s top-freezer model uses about 2,000 kWh.

Yearly use (kWh)	Monthly use (kWh)	Monthly cost at 18.2¢/kWh	Yearly cost
350 (modern ENERGY STAR example)	29	$5.31	$64
400	33	$6.07	$73
500	42	$7.58	$91
600	50	$9.10	$109
2,000 (1980s example)	167	$30.33	$364

The 400, 500 and 600 kWh rows are for comparison. Find your own fridge's yearly figure with the steps below and read across to the matching row.

What makes one refrigerator use more electricity than another

1. Age

Age is one of the biggest clues. Direct Energy notes that most of today's models use a quarter or less of the energy of refrigerators from the 1970s. A University of Utah pilot found that one old, leaky unit used about ten times more energy a year than a new one.

2. Features

Models with an anti-sweat heater use 5% to 10% more energy than models without one. Ice makers, water dispensers and bigger capacity generally add to consumption too, so compare labels when you shop.

3. Temperature settings

Setting the fridge or freezer colder than you need makes the compressor run longer. See the recommended settings in the tips below.

4. Condition

Dirty condenser coils, worn door seals and frost buildup all make the fridge work harder to stay cold. These problems are common and often cheap to fix.

5. Where it sits

A fridge in a hot garage or next to an oven or a sunny window has to work harder than one in a cool, ventilated spot. The more often the door opens, the more cold air escapes and has to be replaced.

How to find your own refrigerator's electricity use

Check the EnergyGuide label. Newer fridges have a yellow label that lists estimated yearly kWh. If the label is gone, look up the model number on the manufacturer's website.
Use a plug-in watt meter. Plug it between the fridge and the wall for 24 to 48 hours. It reports the total kWh, which you multiply to get a monthly figure.
Do the math. Yearly kWh ÷ 12 = monthly kWh. Monthly kWh × your price per kWh = monthly cost.

Example: 450 kWh a year ÷ 12 = 37.5 kWh a month. At 18.2 cents, that is about $6.83 a month.

Is it worth replacing an old refrigerator?

If your fridge is from the 1980s or 1990s, possibly yes. Direct Energy's example shows a drop from about 2,000 kWh to about 350 kWh a year, a difference of 1,650 kWh. At 18.2 cents, that is roughly $300 a year in savings.

That is an extreme example, though. If your fridge is only 10 to 15 years old and works well, savings from replacing it will be smaller, and fixing the basics below is usually the better first move. Many utilities also offer rebates and recycling payments for old units. The University of Utah article, for example, mentions one utility program that pays $100 toward a replacement refrigerator, so check what your own utility offers.

7 ways to lower your refrigerator's electricity use

Set the right temperature. The FDA recommends keeping the fridge at or below 40°F and the freezer at 0°F. One co-op guide suggests 37 to 40°F for the fridge and 5°F for the freezer. Check with an appliance thermometer rather than trusting the dial.
Test the door seals. Close the door on a dollar bill or a sheet of paper. If it slides out easily, the seal may need cleaning, adjusting or replacing.
Clean the condenser coils. Vacuum them about once a year, unless your model has a no-clean condenser. Clean coils let the fridge run for shorter periods.
Leave room to breathe. Pull the fridge slightly away from the wall so air can circulate around it.
Keep it away from heat. Avoid placing it next to an oven, dishwasher or direct sunlight.
Don't keep the door open. Decide what you want before you open it, and don't leave it open while you unload groceries.
Retire the spare. A second fridge or freezer in the garage can quietly add to your bill. If you don't really need it, unplug it.

For a longer checklist, read our guide to 9 refrigerator mistakes that waste energy.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to run a refrigerator per day?

A fridge that uses 350 kWh a year uses about 0.96 kWh a day. At 18.2 cents per kWh, that is about 17 cents a day.

Does a refrigerator use a lot of electricity?

A modern one uses a modest amount compared with heating, cooling and water heating. It matters because it runs all day, every day, for 10 to 20 years. An old or failing unit can use many times more than a new one.

Does a refrigerator use more electricity in summer?

It can. When the room around the fridge is warmer, the compressor has to run longer to keep the inside cold. Clean coils and good airflow help.

Is a second refrigerator worth keeping?

Only if you use it. An old second fridge in the garage is a common source of wasted electricity, since it may be less efficient and sit in a hot space. Measure it with a watt meter before you decide.

Could my fridge be why my electric bill jumped?

It's possible, especially if the fridge is old, the seals are worn or the coils are dirty. See our guide to why your electric bill might be so high all of a sudden for the other usual suspects.

The bottom line

A modern refrigerator uses about 30 kWh a month, while a very old one can use more than five times that. Find your yearly kWh on the EnergyGuide label, divide by 12 and multiply by your rate. If the number looks high, start with the free fixes: check the temperature, test the seals and clean the coils. For more ways to cut your bills, see how to lower your electricity bill with 9 practical steps.

This article is general information. Energy use and costs vary by model, home and utility rates. Contact a qualified appliance technician for repairs.