Refrigerator Cost Calculator from EnergyGuide Annual kWh
Enter annual kWh from the EnergyGuide label. No guesswork about 24-hour compressor use.
Your usage
Example inputsResults update as you type. All costs are in U.S. dollars. See result ↓
The starting kWh value is an illustration. Replace it with your model’s annual energy use; do not enter the label’s annual dollar cost.
For your own rate, add per-kWh supply and delivery charges; leave out fixed fees. Find it on your bill →
Example result — edit inputs to match your use
Estimated electricity cost41.67 kWh per month at 18.31¢/kWh
500 kWh ÷ 12 × $0.1831 = $7.63Daily = annual ÷ 365; monthly = annual ÷ 12. Rates are held constant. Actual use may vary.
↑ Edit inputsUse annual kWh, not the label’s dollar amount
Find yearly electricity use on the yellow EnergyGuide label or the model’s specification sheet. Its printed yearly dollar cost uses a reference electricity rate that may differ from yours. Enter the kWh figure here and apply your local rate. The starting 500 kWh is an illustration, not a measured average.
Why watts × 24 hours can mislead
A refrigerator cycles its compressor and may use defrost heaters, fans, and variable-speed controls. Multiplying maximum watts by 24 assumes full power continuously. Annual tested kWh captures a standardized operating pattern, although kitchen temperature, door openings, ice making, and settings affect real consumption. For an existing fridge, measure energy over a representative period with a suitable meter.
How do I compare an old refrigerator with a new one?
Use measured annualized energy for the old unit and label kWh for the new unit at the same rate. A 200 kWh/year reduction at an example 20¢/kWh is $40/year in electricity savings, before purchase and disposal costs.
Make the estimate yours
Replace the example values with measurements or the product label. Select your state for an official average, then override it with your bill’s variable rate when available.
Read the calculations and assumptionsRefrigerator cost at different electricity rates
This static worked example uses 500 kWh/year. These chosen rates show price sensitivity; they are not utility offers. The interactive result above uses your edited inputs.
| Electricity price | Monthly cost | Annual cost* |
|---|---|---|
| 12¢/kWh | $5.00 | $60.00 |
| 20¢/kWh | $8.33 | $100.00 |
| 30¢/kWh | $12.50 | $150.00 |
*Annual cost uses the entered yearly kWh. Values are rounded only for display.
Practical energy guides
Will Replacing Your Old Refrigerator Actually Save Money?
Use annual EnergyGuide kWh and measured old-fridge energy to estimate refrigerator savings, compare local rates, and calculate a simple replacement payback.
Understand your billHow to Find Your Electricity Rate on Your Bill
Find the right cents-per-kWh rate for an appliance calculator. Separate supply, delivery, fixed fees, and time-of-use charges with a worked bill example.