How Many Watts Does a Fridge Use?

Understanding Refrigerator Power Consumption

Refrigerators are essential appliances in our homes, but they can contribute significantly to energy costs. By understanding the factors that influence a fridge’s wattage, you can make informed decisions about your appliance usage and adopt energy-saving strategies.

Size and Capacity

The size of a refrigerator directly impacts its energy consumption. Larger fridges generally require more power to maintain cool temperatures. However, a properly filled large fridge can be more efficient than a smaller one that’s frequently opened and closed. Size alone doesn’t dictate efficiency — it’s also about usage. You’ll find more on that below.

Age and Efficiency Rating

Newer refrigerators are typically more energy-efficient than older models. Energy Star-certified refrigerators, in particular, are about 9% more energy efficient than non-certified models. 

Usage Patterns and Settings

How you use your refrigerator greatly affects its energy consumption. Frequent door openings, storing warm food and setting the temperature too low can all increase energy use. The ambient temperature of your kitchen also plays a role — fridges in warmer rooms or those exposed to direct sunlight need to consume more power to maintain cool internal temperatures.

How Much Electricity Does an Average Refrigerator Use?

Understanding how much electricity your fridge uses on a daily, monthly and annual basis helps energy costs.

Daily Consumption

On average, a modern refrigerator uses between 300 and 600 watts per day, depending on its size and efficiency. However, refrigerators don’t run at full power constantly. They cycle on and off to maintain temperature, so actual daily usage depends on how often the compressor runs.

Monthly and Annual Consumption

Over a month, an average-sized refrigerator might consume between 30 and 60 kWh. Annually, this adds up to about 360–720 kWh. Assuming an average electricity rate of $0.16 per kWh, this would cost between $58 and $115 per year to operate.

Remember that your actual consumption and costs can vary significantly based on the refrigerator’s age, size, features and local electricity rates. Modern, energy-efficient models tend to be on the lower end of this range, while older or larger models may consume more.

Average Wattage of Different Fridge Types

The wattage of refrigerators can vary widely depending on their type and size. Here’s a breakdown of some averages by type:

• Mini fridges: 70–100 watts
• Standard refrigerators: 300–600 watts
• Side-by-side models: 300–1,000 watts
• French door refrigerators: 300–800 watts

These are general figures, and actual consumption can vary based on the specific model, how often you open the doors and the internal temperature settings.

Calculating Your Refrigerator’s Energy Usage

To calculate energy consumption, multiply the fridge’s amps by its voltage (120 is standard). You can find these figures on the fridge’s nameplate. Then, since most fridges only run about 30% of the time, divide this number by three. The result will give you the fridge’s running wattage per hour.

For example, a fridge with 5 amps running on 120 volts will have a wattage of 600, one-third of which is 200 watts in average power usage. If you want to know how much power your fridge uses in a day, multiply its average power usage by 24. In our example, a 200-watt fridge will have 4,800 watt-hours or 4.8 kilowatt-hours of daily power use. 

Steps to Measure Your Fridge’s Power Usage

For an even more accurate measurement of your refrigerator’s actual power usage, follow these steps:

1. Use a watt meter or energy monitor. Plug it into the outlet and connect it to your fridge.
2. Leave the device connected for 24 hours to capture a full day’s energy use.
3. Record the kWh used in that period, and multiply the daily usage by 30 for monthly consumption.

You can then check your electricity bill for the rate per kWh to calculate the true cost of running your fridge. This method provides a more accurate picture of your refrigerator’s energy consumption than relying on average figures.

Impact of Refrigerator Size on Power Consumption

The size of your refrigerator plays a significant role in determining its power consumption. Let’s examine how different sizes affect energy usage.

Small Fridges (Under 10 Cubic Feet)

Small refrigerators, including mini fridges, are typically the most energy-efficient options. They use less power because of their compact size and smaller compressors. However, they may run more frequently to maintain temperature, potentially offsetting some efficiency gains.

Medium Fridges (10–18 Cubic Feet)

Medium-sized refrigerators strike a balance between capacity and energy efficiency. They offer more storage space than small fridges while still maintaining relatively low power consumption. These models are often suitable for small families or couples.

Large Fridges (Over 18 Cubic Feet)

Large refrigerators, including side-by-side and French door models, generally consume the most power. Their larger interior volume requires more energy to cool, and additional features like ice makers and water dispensers increase power usage. However, modern large fridges are typically energy efficient, mitigating some of the increased consumption.

Running a Fridge on Alternative Power Sources

In situations where grid power is unavailable or unreliable, you may need to run your refrigerator on alternative power sources. Here’s what you need to know.

Using a Generator to Power Your Refrigerator

When selecting a generator to power your refrigerator, consider both the starting wattage and running wattage of your fridge. The starting wattage is typically 2–3 times higher than the running wattage and is required when the compressor kicks on.

For most standard refrigerators, a generator with a 2000-watt capacity should suffice. Always check your specific model’s requirements to check compatibility.

Solar Power Options for Refrigerators

Solar power can be an excellent option for powering refrigerators, especially in off-grid locations. To run a fridge on solar power, you’ll need:

• Solar panels
• A battery bank for energy storage
• An inverter to convert DC to AC power

The size of your solar system depends on your refrigerator’s energy consumption and the amount of sunlight your area receives. Consult a solar professional to design a system that meets your needs.

Other Green Energy Options

You can also use other renewable energy options, like wind or geothermal power, to run a refrigerator. If your local area supports consistent wind patterns, you can harness wind power with small turbines. Geothermal energy requires larger-scale installations involving ground-source heat pumps and is more commonly used for heating and cooling entire homes rather than individual appliances. Nonetheless, these options can contribute to a sustainable energy solution for household appliances.

Tips to Reduce Your Fridge’s Power Usage

Optimizing your fridge’s settings and maintenance can reduce its energy consumption. We recommend:

• Cleaning the condenser coils regularly to keep the fridge running efficiently.
• Checking door seals and replace them if worn to prevent cold air from escaping.
• Defrosting manual defrost models when ice buildup exceeds 1/4 inch.
• Setting the right temperature: Keep the fridge between 35 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit and the freezer at 0 degrees Fahrenheit to minimize energy use without compromising food safety.

Our Conclusion

Understanding your refrigerator’s power consumption is key to lowering your home’s energy use and planning for alternative power sources. While the wattage of fridges can vary widely based on size, type and features, most household refrigerators use between 300 and 600 watts during operation.

To reduce your fridge’s energy consumption, consider upgrading to an Energy Star-certified model, maintaining your current refrigerator properly and optimizing its temperature settings. Whether you’re running your fridge on grid power, a generator or solar energy, being informed about its power requirements will help you make the best decisions for your home and energy needs.

This article was created with the assistance of automation technology, reviewed and fact-checked by two editors specializing in deregulated energy.