The cost to run a refrigerator each month depends on the make and model, size, and energy efficiency. On average, a standard-size top- or bottom-freezer 18- to 20-cubic-foot fridge will cost between $12 and 30 a month to run.
The Energy Star label gives shoppers a good indication of the energy efficiency and monthly cost.
Smaller refrigerators, such as those that are 10 to 12 cubic feet, will cost approximately $10 to $20 per month, while larger units that are over 25 cubic feet can run as much as $50 a month. The average refrigerator uses around 400 kilowatt-hours kWh each month, which is around 1.
2 to 3. 05 kilowatts per hour (kWh) per day.
When considering the total cost, take into consideration the age of the unit and its energy efficiency. Older models can cost twice as much to run than the newer models. Replacing a 10-year-old unit with a newer model of the same size could save you up to $100 a year.
To maximize energy savings, buy a refrigerator with the lowest energy consumption possible.
Table of Contents
Do refrigerators use a lot of electricity?
Yes, refrigerators use a lot of electricity. According to the United States Energy Information Administration (EIA), refrigerators use a significant amount of the electricity used in an average home.
It is estimated that in a home with only refrigerator and no other major appliances, the refrigerator will account for around 20 percent of the total electricity of the home. Across the entire United States, the EIA estimates that refrigerators account for around 8 percent of the total electricity consumption in typical homes.
On a global scale, the electricity consumption of refrigerators is estimated to be even higher.
What uses the most electricity in a home?
The largest contributor to electricity use in the home comes from heating and cooling systems, making up approximately 46 percent of the total electricity use. This is followed by water heating, which accounts for 14 percent of electricity use, then lighting at 12 percent.
Refrigerators and freezers account for 8 percent of electricity used, followed by electronics and computers at 6 percent. Clothes washers and dryers make up 5 percent, while dishwashers make up 4 percent.
Other miscellaneous items make up the remaining 15 percent. Thus, it can be seen that heating and cooling systems are the primary source of electricity use in the home.
What is the hardest appliance on electricity?
The hardest appliance on electricity is likely an air conditioner, especially large capacity air conditioning systems. These air conditioners require more powerful motors to push air through a home and large fans to move the air around.
Additionally, air conditioning systems use more electricity than other household appliances because they often need to cool a large area, meaning that the system must run for longer periods of time and use more energy.
Air conditioners also require more frequent maintenance, such as filter cleaning and evaporator coil cleaning, so they can maintain their efficiency. This all adds to the cost of running an air conditioning system and make them the hardest appliance on electricity.
How much electricity does a refrigerator use in 24 hours?
The amount of electricity a refrigerator uses in a 24-hour period depends on several factors, including the size of the refrigerator, the age of the unit, and how often the door is opened and closed.
Generally, a mid-size, modern refrigerator will use between 11 to 17 kWh per day, and large French door style refrigerators can use around 21 kWh, depending on energy efficiency and actual draw. If a refrigerator is more than 10 years old, it can use up to double those amounts.
Additionally, factors such as the ambient temperature, the frequency of the door being opened, and the age of the unit can cause considerable variations in electricity use. If a refrigerator has more than average opening and closing, it could increase draw by up to 25%.
Is it okay to turn off the refrigerator every night?
In general, it is not recommended to turn off your refrigerator every night, as this can negatively affect the life of the refrigerator and increase your energy bills. Refrigerators are designed to keep food at a consistent temperature, and when constantly turned off and on, the compressor uses more energy than when it runs consistently.
Additionally, the motor may become overheated, resulting in a shorter lifetime of your refrigerator. To help save energy and money, you should keep the refrigerator running at all times and make sure the thermostat is set to the correct temperature.
You can also reduce the energy usage of your refrigerator by cleaning the condenser coils regularly and keeping the door seals on tight. If you do choose to turn off your refrigerator at night, it’s best to turn it off before going to bed, as doing so allows the food to cool down before the temperature rises again in the morning.
How can I lower my fridge bill?
Lowering your fridge bill is totally doable! Here are some key tips for reducing the costs associated with keeping your fridge running:
1) Make sure the seal around your fridge is tight and functioning correctly. Leaks can cause warm air to get in and make your fridge work harder to keep things cool.
2) If you have an older model, consider replacing it. Newer fridges tend to be more energy-efficient, which can help reduce energy costs.
3) Make sure there is enough space between the fridge and the wall. This allows air to circulate and prevents your fridge from working harder than it needs to.
4) Clean the coils and condenser at least twice a year. Dust and dirt can cause the compressor to work inefficiently, which increases your energy costs.
5) Make sure the temperature is set to around 37 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal efficiency.
6) If possible, open the fridge door as little as possible. Each time you open the door, the cold air will escape, making the fridge work harder to maintain the desired temperature.
Will I save money by turning off my fridge and freezer at night?
Yes, you can save money by turning off your fridge and freezer at night. This will help to reduce your electricity bill, although the amount you save may be small. Turning off your appliances at night will not cause food spoilage if done correctly.
Ensure all food is covered, and that the door is completely closed before you turn off the appliance. If you are unsure about turning off your appliance, it is best to talk to a qualified electrician for guidance.
Additionally, you can also save money by ensuring your fridge and freezer are set at the correct temperature, and are well defrosted, as this will help to reduce the amount of energy they consume.
Is it cheaper to run a fridge full or empty?
Running a fridge full is generally going to be cheaper than running an empty one. With a full fridge, there’s more insulation, preventing cold air from escaping, so your fridge will run more efficiently.
Also, the more items inside, the less the compressor has to work to keep the temperature down and keep it running. Additionally, when you keep a full fridge, you don’t need to constantly open and close the door to look inside, allowing cold air to escape, as this consumes energy.
Overall, a full fridge is a more energy efficient way to keep your food cold and requires less electricity to operate.
Does opening the fridge waste money?
The short answer is yes, opening the fridge does indeed waste money. Most refrigerators have a set temperature, meaning that whenever you open the door, cold air is released and warm air enters. This causes the motor to have to work harder to bring the temperature back to the set point, using more energy and costing you more in electricity bills.
Keeping the door closed more often and for shorter amounts of time can help minimize this cost. Additionally, organizing your fridge in an orderly manner can help reduce the time you spend with the door open looking for something, saving you money.
Finally, it is important to make sure that the door seals are in good condition, as any gaps or tears in the seals will allow warmer air in and cause the fridge to work harder.
Does it cost more to run an empty refrigerator?
No, leaving an empty refrigerator running does not typically cost more than running a refrigerator that is filled with food. Refrigerators, like other major appliances, have an operational baseline cost and this doesn’t change whether the refrigerator is full or empty.
Depending on the type of refrigerator you own, the cost to run it will generally be between 20 and 24 cents/hour. Having said that, if the thermostat is set any higher than the standard factory setting, then a refrigerator will use extra energy, possibly increasing the cost somewhat.
Additionally, an empty refrigerator is more likely to freeze things that are stored in the refrigerator (like condiments), so people may end up needing to replace some items more often than they would if the refrigerator was full.
It is possible that this could increase the overall cost, but it would generally be quite minimal.
What appliances use electricity even when turned off?
Many appliances use electricity even when turned off, known as standby power or “phantom loads”. Common household appliances and electronics that may use standby power include TVs, cable boxes, TiVo, DVD players, game consoles, computers, computer monitors, printers, residential gate openers, heating and cooling systems, microwaves, washers, dryers, toaster ovens, coffee makers, electric ranges, lighting systems, telephones and answering machines, stereos, and chargers for various devices.
These appliances and electronics use power continuously to maintain time, settings and functionality. In many cases, using a power strip with a switch or a smart power strip can reduce or completely eliminate the standby power that these gadgets and appliances use.
Does leaving lamps plugged in use electricity?
Yes, leaving a lamp plugged in does use electricity. Even when a lamp is off, a small amount of power still flows through it, called phantom energy or standby power. This phantom energy can account for 5 to 10 percent of an average home’s total electricity use.
To reduce electricity usage, always unplug lamps when not in use. There are even some energy efficient models on the market, such as LED bulbs and lamp timers, which can help reduce electricity consumption.
Can I switch off my fridge for a month?
It is not recommended to switch off your refrigerator for an extended period of time. Many refrigerators contain condensers, which need to remain powered in order to keep the appliance working properly.
Also, if you are keeping food inside the refrigerator, that food will spoil if the refrigerator is not running. Switching off your refrigerator for a month can also cause damage to the compressor and other parts in the appliance.
If you are planning on taking an extended trip and need to power down your refrigerator for that period of time, make sure to first empty out the fridge and freezer. Then, unplug the appliance and leave the doors open to allow the interior to air out and prevent any foul odors from forming.
