Fridge Electricity Cost
Work out how much your fridge or fridge freezer costs to run per day, month and year.
Fridge running cost calculator
Example: 20 W. Average draw over 24 hours. The compressor switches on and off, so check the annual kWh figure on the energy label.
e.g. 0.25 = 15 min
0 to 7
Example rate — enter your own tariff.
Estimated cost to run your fridge
£0.12per day used
Uses 0.48 kWh on each day it's used (20 W × 24 h).
How it works: cost = power (kW) × hours used × price per kWh. Standing charges aren't included because you pay them whether or not the appliance is on.
Estimates only. Real consumption depends on the model, settings and how the appliance is used.
How fridge electricity use is measured
Fridges run all the time, but the compressor cycles on and off. The most reliable figure is the annual kWh on the energy label. Divide it by 365 for daily use, or by 8,760 to get an average power in kW.
How to calculate your fridge running cost
Cost = power (kW) × hours used × price per kWh
Example only: at 20 W for 24 hours, a fridge would use about 0.48 kWh, costing around £0.12 at 25p per kWh. Used 7 days a week, that's roughly 175 kWh and £43.80 a year. Your own figures may be quite different.
Why actual usage varies
- Size and model efficiency.
- Room temperature — a warm kitchen makes it work harder.
- How often the door is opened.
- Thermostat setting and door seal condition.
Ways to reduce the cost
- Keep it away from ovens and direct sunlight.
- Let food cool before putting it in.
- Check door seals.
- Keep the coils at the back free of dust.
To include all your household use, try the electricity cost calculator, or price any other device with the appliance electricity cost calculator.