How Much Electricity Does a Refrigerator Use Per Month?

The best starting number

Use the refrigerator's annual kWh estimate when it is available. Divide annual kWh by 12 for an average month, then multiply by your local electricity price in dollars per kWh.

This approach is usually better than multiplying compressor watts by 24 hours because the compressor cycles off after the cabinet reaches temperature.

Estimate from watts when the label is missing

If you only know running watts, estimate how many equivalent full-power hours the compressor runs per day. For example, 150 watts for eight equivalent hours is 1.2 kWh per day, before any separate defrost or ice-making load is considered.

Measure a cycling appliance correctly

A short reading can catch the refrigerator either cooling hard or sitting idle. Measure at least a full day, and preferably several ordinary days, so door openings and defrost cycles are represented.

• Record kWh, not only the highest instantaneous watts.
• Avoid testing immediately after loading warm groceries unless that is typical.
• Repeat the measurement in hot weather if the kitchen temperature changes substantially.

Reasons use may be higher than expected

A damaged gasket, blocked ventilation, dusty accessible coils, frequent door openings, or a very cold setting can lengthen compressor runtime. An older second refrigerator in a hot garage may therefore cost much more than a newer kitchen model with the same basic capacity.