How Much Does It Cost to Run a Refrigerator Per Month?

Refrigerators run continuously, which makes them one of the most consistent electricity users in a home. While they don’t draw much power at any given moment, the fact that they operate 24 hours a day means their cost adds up over time. Below is a breakdown of what it actually costs to run a refrigerator per month using real energy usage data and simple electricity math.

How refrigerator electricity usage is measured

Refrigerator energy use is typically measured in kilowatt-hours per year (kWh/year). This number accounts for:

• The compressor cycling on and off

• Temperature regulation

• Normal door openings

• Continuous operation

Manufacturers publish this number, and utilities bill electricity based on it.

Typical refrigerator energy usage

Most full-size household refrigerators fall into these ranges:

• Older refrigerator (10–20+ years old):
  ~900–1,200 kWh per year

• Standard modern refrigerator:
  ~400–600 kWh per year

• Energy Star refrigerator:
  ~350–500 kWh per year

These numbers reflect average real-world usage, not peak draw.

Average electricity rate used for calculations

For clarity and consistency, the examples below use:

• $0.20 per kWh

This is a common residential electricity rate in many parts of the U.S. Your actual rate may be higher or lower.

Monthly cost to run a refrigerator

Older refrigerator (1,100 kWh per year)

• 1,100 ÷ 12 = ~92 kWh per month

• 92 × $0.20 = $18.40 per month

Standard modern refrigerator (500 kWh per year)

• 500 ÷ 12 = ~42 kWh per month

• 42 × $0.20 = $8.40 per month

Energy Star refrigerator (400 kWh per year)

• 400 ÷ 12 = ~33 kWh per month

• 33 × $0.20 = $6.60 per month

Yearly cost comparison

Looking at the same numbers annually:

• Older refrigerator: $220 per year

• Standard modern refrigerator: $100 per year

• Energy Star refrigerator: $80 per year

Even small differences in efficiency compound over time.

What affects refrigerator electricity cost

Several factors influence where a refrigerator lands in these ranges:

• Age of the appliance

• Size and configuration

• Temperature settings

• Room temperature

• How often doors are opened

However, age and efficiency rating tend to matter more than daily habits.

How this cost compares to other appliances

Even though refrigerators run constantly, their monthly cost is relatively modest compared to:

• Electric dryers

• Space heaters

• Window air conditioners

That said, because they run year-round, refrigerators are a steady contributor to your electric bill.

If you’re also running a separate freezer, we break down chest freezer electricity costs here: How much does it cost to run a chest freezer per month?

The bottom line

Most modern refrigerators cost $7–$9 per month to run, while older units can cost $15–$20 per month or more. Because refrigerators operate continuously, efficiency differences add up over time. Looking at annual energy usage makes it easier to understand their real cost rather than focusing on moment-to-moment power draw.