Refrigerator Energy Cost Calculator

Refrigerator energy cost formula and worked example

Formula

annual cost = rated kWh/year × age factor × seal factor × temperature factor × ambient factor × ice-maker factor × $/kWh

where age factor ranges 1.0 (0–2 years) to 2.0 (15+ years), seal factor 1.0–1.25, colder settings add 15%, hot rooms (>85 °F) add 25%, and an ice maker adds 5–15% by model

Worked example

A modern top-freezer refrigerator rated at 400 kWh/year, kept at the recommended temperature with good door seals in a 75 °F kitchen, paying $0.16/kWh.

1. All condition factors are 1.0 for a new, well-sealed unit at recommended settings in an ideal ambient temperature, so actual use stays at the rated 400 kWh/year
2. Annual cost: 400 kWh × $0.16/kWh = $64.00
3. Monthly cost: $64.00 ÷ 12 = $5.33
4. Daily cost: $64.00 ÷ 365 = $0.18

Result

This refrigerator uses 400 kWh and costs about $64.00 per year ($5.33/month, $0.18/day) at $0.16/kWh.