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How much does it cost to run a refrigerator?

Typical wattage
725 W
Cost per hour
$0.13
at 18.16¢/kWh (US avg)
Energy per hour
0.73 kWh

A refrigerator typically draws 725 W. At the US average residential rate of 18.16¢ per kWh (12-month average to August 2026), that is about $0.13 for every hour it runs at full power.

The listed wattage is the running draw. A fridge compressor cycles on and off, so real daily use is well below wattage × 24 hours. Check the yellow EnergyGuide label for your model's yearly kWh.

Cost per day and per month

Use per daykWh per dayCost per dayCost per month
1 hour0.73$0.13$4.01
2 hours1.45$0.26$8.01
4 hours2.90$0.53$16.02
8 hours5.80$1.05$32.04

Scenarios show full-power hours. Appliances with thermostats or cycling compressors draw full power for only part of the time they are switched on.

Cost per hour by state

StateRate (12-mo)Cost per hour
Alabama16.44¢$0.12
Alaska26.94¢$0.20
Arizona15.39¢$0.11
Arkansas13.57¢$0.10
California32.34¢$0.23
Colorado17.17¢$0.12
Connecticut27.42¢$0.20
Delaware17.98¢$0.13
District of Columbia24.48¢$0.18
Florida15.41¢$0.11
Georgia15.17¢$0.11
Hawaii44.27¢$0.32
Idaho12.77¢$0.09
Illinois18.91¢$0.14
Indiana16.90¢$0.12
Iowa14.20¢$0.10
Kansas15.13¢$0.11
Kentucky13.94¢$0.10
Louisiana13.02¢$0.09
Maine29.60¢$0.21
Maryland21.18¢$0.15
Massachusetts30.39¢$0.22
Michigan21.28¢$0.15
Minnesota16.28¢$0.12
Mississippi14.85¢$0.11
Missouri13.97¢$0.10
Montana13.94¢$0.10
Nebraska12.74¢$0.09
Nevada13.45¢$0.10
New Hampshire26.95¢$0.20
New Jersey23.74¢$0.17
New Mexico16.51¢$0.12
New York28.60¢$0.21
North Carolina14.79¢$0.11
North Dakota12.35¢$0.09
Ohio18.41¢$0.13
Oklahoma13.81¢$0.10
Oregon15.53¢$0.11
Pennsylvania20.86¢$0.15
Rhode Island29.44¢$0.21
South Carolina15.77¢$0.11
South Dakota14.28¢$0.10
Tennessee13.61¢$0.10
Texas15.98¢$0.12
Utah13.26¢$0.10
Vermont23.90¢$0.17
Virginia16.64¢$0.12
Washington14.20¢$0.10
West Virginia15.53¢$0.11
Wisconsin18.79¢$0.14
Wyoming14.01¢$0.10

Calculate with your own numbers

Frequently asked questions

How many watts does a refrigerator use?

A typical refrigerator uses 725 W, according to Virginia Cooperative Extension. Check the label on your model.

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

About $0.13 per hour at full power, at the US average rate of 18.16¢ per kWh.

How much does it cost to run a refrigerator for a month?

Running it 1 hour a day at full power costs about $4.01 a month at the US average rate. Your cost depends on your hours and your state's rate.

How many kWh does a refrigerator use?

About 0.73 kWh per hour at full power (watts ÷ 1,000).

How can I find my refrigerator's exact wattage?

Check the rating label or manual, or measure it with a plug-in electricity usage meter, which shows real watts and kWh.

Rates: EIA, 12-month residential average. Cost = watts × hours ÷ 1,000 × rate (US Department of Energy method).

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