How Much Does a Refrigerator Cost to Run Per Month?
Short answer: use the EnergyGuide label: monthly kWh = kWh per year ÷ 12, then × your rate. Example: 400 kWh/year ÷ 12 = 33.3 kWh/month; at 18.31¢ = $6.10/month.
Other answers conflict because nameplate watts (300–800 W) are maxima, not continuous use. Pricing 150 W × 24 h ignores cycling and overstates cost roughly threefold. A fridge compressor cycles — try ~33% duty in the calculator.
By type (ranges — check your label)
| Type | Guide |
|---|---|
| Standard fridge-freezer, modern | Roughly 300–800 kWh/year in research ranges; use your label for your model |
| Mini / dorm fridge | 50–100 W running, ~0.4–0.8 kWh/day, ~$2–$5/month in US examples |
| Chest freezer | ENERGY STAR example 215 kWh/year, ~$2.70–$2.95/month; upright generally uses more; a hot garage uses more |
Steps: read EnergyGuide kWh/year → ÷12 → × bill rate. No label? Use the calculator with running watts and 33% duty, and treat it as a wide-range estimate.