Refrigerators: Annual Operating Cost
At a glance (estimate)
- Median operating cost
- $64/yr
- Median energy use
- 345 kWh/yr
- Cost range
- $8–$149
- Models compared
- 4581
This is an estimate. Operating cost is an estimate, computed from each model's measured annual energy use at the EIA U.S. national-average residential electricity rate (18.56 ¢/kWh, March 2026). Your actual cost depends on your local utility rate and how you use the appliance. How we compute this.
Across the 4,581 ENERGY STAR certified refrigerators analyzed, the median appliance consumes approximately 345 kilowatt-hours per year and costs an estimated $64 annually to operate. The range of annual operating costs spans from roughly $8 to $149, depending on the model's efficiency.
These cost estimates are calculated using each model's measured annual energy consumption and the U.S. national-average residential electricity rate. This standardized basis allows direct comparison of models independent of regional rate variations.
Operating cost represents only one factor in refrigerator selection. Purchase price, storage capacity, and available features also significantly influence the overall value proposition. Efficiency differences within this product category can yield meaningful savings over an appliance's service life.
The actual annual operating cost for any specific unit will depend on the owner's local utility rate and usage patterns. This analysis provides specification and cost comparison data rather than purchasing or installation guidance.
| Spec | Typical |
|---|---|
| Typical capacity | 1.0–31.7 cu ft (median 13.8) |
| Width range | 14.2–73.2 in |
| Brands in dataset | 256 |
| Efficiency metric | percent less energy than federal standard |
How we estimate operating cost
Operating cost is an estimate, computed from each model's measured annual energy use at the EIA U.S. national-average residential electricity rate (18.56 ¢/kWh, March 2026). Your actual cost depends on your local utility rate and how you use the appliance.
Lowest-operating-cost refrigerator models → · Size guide → · Estimate your own →