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Use the calculator for an instant estimate, or read on for a full breakdown of how this cost is calculated.
Quick Answer
$5–$12/month
Varies by equipment & usage
Refrigerator energy consumption depends on volume, configuration, and efficiency. Larger fridges use more energy, and certain configurations (side-by-side, French door) use more than equivalently-sized top-freezer models due to more door seals and ice makers.
A rough formula: annual kWh ≈ volume (cu ft) × type factor × usage multiplier. For a 20 cu. ft. top-mount: 20 × 38 × 1.0 = 760 kWh rough baseline before efficiency adjustments. ENERGY STAR models beat that by 10–20%.
At $0.16/kWh, 500 kWh/year = $80/year = $6.67/month. Ice makers add roughly 75–100 kWh/year ($12–$16). Through-door dispensers add a similar amount due to extra door seals and motor use.
Estimate Your Cost
Volume
20
cu ft
Configuration
Ice maker
Electricity rate
0.16
$/kWh
Est. monthly cost
$5.33
~400 kWh/year
Volume in cubic feet — larger fridges use more electricity
Configuration — top-freezer is most efficient; side-by-side and French door use more
Age — fridges older than 15 years use 2–3x more than current ENERGY STAR models
Ice maker — adds ~75 kWh/year
Through-door dispenser — adds ~75 kWh/year
Ambient temperature — a fridge in a hot garage works harder
How full it is — a full fridge holds temperature better than an empty one
Pro Tip
The biggest savings usually come from upgrading the least efficient items first. Use Watt Wisdom to see exactly which loads are driving your bill before spending money on improvements.
Watt Wisdom calculates your full household energy profile — every appliance, your climate zone, and your usage habits — and tells you exactly what's driving your bill.
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