How much does a refrigerator cost to run?
Enter the fridge or fridge-freezer's average wattage, how many hours a day it effectively runs (usually 24) and your own tariff. The calculator shows energy use and estimated running cost immediately.
How this calculator works
A fridge or freezer runs continuously but its compressor cycles on and off, so the wattage on the label is a peak figure rather than a constant draw. EuroWattCalc converts whatever average or measured wattage you enter into kilowatts, multiplies by the hours the compressor is actually active per day, then applies your electricity price.
What can change the real cost?
- A fridge's compressor cycles on and off rather than drawing constant power, so nameplate wattage overstates real cost unless you use an average figure.
- Ambient kitchen temperature, how full the fridge is, door-opening frequency and appliance age all affect real energy use.
- Fixed charges on an electricity bill are not caused by one appliance and are therefore excluded from this usage-cost estimate.
Use this as a planning estimate rather than a promise about a future bill. The most accurate input comes from measured power and the unit rate on your own tariff.
Frequently asked questions
Why should I enter 24 hours for a fridge?
Refrigerators run continuously, cycling the compressor on and off throughout the day, so 24 hours is the correct period to enter even though the compressor itself is not always drawing power at that moment.
What average wattage should I use if I don't know mine?
A typical modern fridge-freezer averages roughly 100–150 W; older or larger American-style models can average 180–200 W. The EU energy label's annual kWh figure, divided by 8,760 hours, gives the most accurate figure for your specific model.
Should I include my standing charge?
No for appliance comparison. Use the unit price per kWh; standing charges are fixed bill components rather than usage from the fridge.
Typical refrigerator running costs
Refrigerators are unusual among household appliances because they never really switch off — the compressor cycles on and off continuously, day and night, all year. That makes even a modest difference in average wattage add up over a full year more than a much higher-wattage appliance that is only used briefly. The EU energy label on newer fridges states an annual kWh figure directly, which is often more reliable than the wattage printed on the compressor rating plate, since that number typically reflects peak start-up draw rather than the average running load this calculator is designed to estimate.
| Scenario | Power | Use | Approx. cost* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Efficient A-rated fridge-freezer | 60–90 W avg | 24 h/day | €0.13–€0.19 |
| Standard fridge-freezer | 120 W avg | 24 h/day | €0.26 |
| Older / large American-style fridge | 180–200 W avg | 24 h/day | €0.39–€0.43 |
| Running continuously for a year at 120 W avg | 120 W avg | 24 h × 365 days | ≈€94 |
*Estimated at €0.30/kWh usage price. Your own tariff, appliance model and habits will change the real figure — use the calculator above with your own numbers.
More frequently asked questions
Why does my fridge label show a much higher wattage than this?
The label typically shows peak or start-up wattage, drawn briefly when the compressor kicks in. Average running wattage — the figure that determines your actual bill — is usually far lower and is best found on the appliance's EU energy label, which states annual kWh directly.
Does opening the door often increase electricity use much?
It has some effect, since warm air entering makes the compressor run more to recover temperature, but for a typical household it is a small factor compared with the fridge's underlying average wattage and its age or efficiency rating.
Should I calculate cost per day or per year for a fridge?
Because refrigerators run continuously, an annual figure is usually more useful for budgeting. This calculator's 30-day estimate can simply be multiplied by roughly 12 for a rough yearly total.
