Fridge Running Cost Calculator
Instantly estimate the daily, monthly, and annual electricity costs of running your fridge or fridge-freezer. Free, accurate tool for UK households.
Calculate Your Fridge Energy Costs
Enter your fridge’s wattage and your electricity rate below to see exactly how much it costs to keep your food cool over a day, month, and year.
Cost Calculator
Enter your appliance and energy details
Check the label inside the door or on the back
Fridges typically run 24 hours (avg: 24)
Your energy tariff rate (UK avg: ~24.5p)
Estimated Running Costs
Based on your appliance and energy inputs
Average Fridge Running Costs Reference Chart
Estimated annual running costs for different types of fridges, assuming 24/7 operation at the UK average electricity rate of 24.5p per kWh.
| Fridge Type | Average Wattage | Daily kWh | Est. Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small / Undercounter Fridge | ~100W | 2.4 kWh | ~£214.60 |
| Standard Fridge Freezer | ~150W | 3.6 kWh | ~£321.90 |
| Large / American Style | ~250W | 6.0 kWh | ~£536.50 |
| Older / Inefficient Model | ~300W+ | 7.2+ kWh | ~£643.80+ |
Fridge Energy Costs FAQ
Everything you need to know about fridge electricity consumption and how to keep your energy bills low.
On average, a standard modern fridge-freezer uses about 150 watts. Running 24/7 at the UK average electricity rate of 24.5p per kWh, it costs approximately £322 per year, or about £27 per month. Older or larger models may cost significantly more.
You can usually find the wattage (W) or annual kWh consumption on the energy rating label inside the fridge door, on a sticker on the back of the appliance, or in the user manual. If only amps and volts are listed, multiply them to get watts (Watts = Volts × Amps).
While they run continuously, modern A-rated fridge freezers are highly efficient and typically account for only about 10-15% of a household’s total electricity bill. However, older, less efficient models can be significantly more expensive to run.
Keep the temperature between 3°C and 5°C, ensure door seals are tight and clean, avoid placing the fridge next to heat sources (like ovens or direct sunlight), and let hot food cool before putting it inside. Regularly defrosting the freezer compartment also improves efficiency.