How much electricity does your refrigerator actually use? And more importantly, how much does keeping it running add to your electricity bill?
Quick answer: The ENERGY STAR-listed ABL AREF18S refrigerator uses approximately 360 kWh per year, or 0.99 kWh per day. At the August 2026 Texas residential average of $0.1591/kWh, that works out to about $4.77 per month or $57.28 per year.
Your refrigerator may cost more or less depending on its size, efficiency, usage, and your electricity rate. Here’s how to find its actual energy consumption and calculate an estimate for your own home.
Already know your refrigerator’s annual energy consumption? Use our free calculator to find out what it costs at your electricity rate.
How many kWh does a refrigerator use?
A refrigerator is connected to electricity 24 hours a day, but that doesn’t mean its compressor runs continuously. The compressor switches on and off as needed to maintain the correct temperature.
That’s why multiplying the compressor’s rated wattage by 24 hours can give you a misleading estimate.
For example, the ABL AREF18S has a certified annual consumption figure of 360 kWh. Here’s how that translates into average energy use and electricity costs.
| Period | Average electricity use | Estimated cost in Texas |
|---|---|---|
| Daily | 0.99 kWh | $0.16 |
| Monthly average | 30 kWh | $4.77 |
| Yearly | 360 kWh | $57.28 |
These are average estimates based on annual certified energy use and the August 2026 Texas electricity rate. Your daily consumption may vary with room temperature, door openings, and refrigerator settings.
Where to find your refrigerator’s annual kWh
The easiest way to estimate how much electricity your refrigerator uses is to check its EnergyGuide label.
In the United States, many refrigerators come with a yellow EnergyGuide label showing estimated annual electricity use and energy cost. If you no longer have the label, look for the complete model number inside your refrigerator and check the manufacturer’s specifications.
Here’s an example of what you should look for.
387 kWh: The most important number
Look near the bottom of the yellow label. You’ll see 387 kWh — Estimated Yearly Electricity Use.
This is the estimated amount of electricity the LG refrigerator shown on the label consumes over a year under standardized test conditions.
If this were your refrigerator, you could enter 387 kWh/year into the PowerPriceHub electricity calculator.
$46 per year: Why your actual cost may be different
The label also shows an estimated yearly energy cost of $46. However, this figure is calculated using a reference electricity price of 12 cents per kWh, as noted in the fine print.
If your electricity rate is higher, your estimated running cost will also be higher. That’s why using the annual kWh figure with your own utility rate is more useful than relying on the dollar amount printed on the label.
Note: This LG EnergyGuide label is a separate example from the ABL refrigerator used earlier. Different models have different annual energy consumption figures.
How much does a refrigerator cost to run in Texas vs. California?
Even if two households use the exact same refrigerator, their electricity bills can be different because electricity prices vary by state and utility provider.
According to the August 2026 EIA residential electricity price data used by PowerPriceHub, the statewide averages were $0.1591/kWh in Texas and $0.2975/kWh in California.
Let’s compare two refrigerators with documented annual energy consumption figures.
| Refrigerator model | Annual kWh | Texas/year | California/year |
|---|---|---|---|
| ABL AREF18S | 360 | $57.28 | $107.10 |
| Absocold ARD104AB21R/L | 242 | $38.50 | $72.00 |
Important: These are different types of refrigerators. The ABL is a full-size refrigerator, while the Absocold is a much smaller hospitality refrigerator. The table illustrates electricity cost calculations, not a like-for-like comparison of refrigerator efficiency.
Take the ABL example: using 360 kWh/year costs approximately $57.28 in Texas or $107.10 in California at these average rates. The refrigerator’s assumed energy consumption doesn’t change between the two examples — only the price of electricity does.
Your actual electricity tariff may be different from these state averages. To get an estimate for your own refrigerator, enter its annual kWh and your electricity rate into our calculator.
How can I measure my refrigerator’s actual electricity use?
EnergyGuide labels provide estimates under standardized conditions. But what if you want to know how much electricity your own refrigerator actually consumes?
One option is to use a compatible plug-in electricity consumption meter, sometimes called a kWh meter or energy monitor.
How to measure your refrigerator’s kWh
- Choose an electricity meter compatible with your refrigerator’s electrical requirements.
- Follow the meter and refrigerator manufacturers’ connection instructions.
- Record the energy consumption in kWh over several normal days, preferably a week or longer.
- Divide the measured kWh by the number of days.
- Multiply the average daily consumption by 365 to estimate annual electricity use.
For example, if your refrigerator consumes 7 kWh over seven days, its measured average is 1 kWh per day. That would suggest approximately 365 kWh per year if the same daily average continued throughout the year.
Remember that this is an estimate. A week of unusually hot weather or frequent refrigerator use might not represent an entire year. Avoid treating a short measurement as an exact yearly figure.
How to reduce refrigerator electricity costs
If your refrigerator is consuming more electricity than expected, there are a few things worth checking before buying a replacement.
- Check temperature settings: Keep the refrigerator and freezer at appropriate food-safe temperatures.
- Inspect door seals: Damaged or loose seals can allow warm air inside.
- Allow ventilation: Follow the manufacturer’s recommended installation clearances.
- Reduce unnecessary door openings: Frequent openings make the cooling system work harder.
- Compare annual kWh before upgrading: Use verified energy labels for similarly sized refrigerators.
Frequently asked questions
Does a refrigerator consume electricity all day?
A refrigerator stays powered throughout the day, but its compressor normally cycles on and off. Its actual electricity consumption depends on how often and how long the cooling system needs to operate.
Can I calculate refrigerator electricity cost using watts?
Yes, if you know the actual power draw and operating time. However, annual kWh figures or measured consumption are generally more useful because refrigerators do not run at one constant power level all day.
Is the cost printed on EnergyGuide my actual electricity cost?
Not necessarily. EnergyGuide dollar estimates use a stated reference electricity price. Your cost depends on your own utility rate and actual energy use.
Find out what your refrigerator costs to run
Now you know how to find your refrigerator’s annual electricity consumption, read an EnergyGuide label, and measure actual energy usage.
The next step is to use your own electricity rate. Enter your refrigerator’s annual kWh into PowerPriceHub to estimate your daily, monthly, and yearly running costs.
Need help finding your electricity rate? Read how to calculate an appliance’s electricity cost from your bill, or learn more about our calculation methodology.