How many watts does a freezer use?
Most freezers use 100–500 watts while running (typically about 150 W) and 500–2,200 W for a few seconds when the motor or compressor starts. Because it cycles on and off, its real energy use is lower than the running watts suggest. At the U.S. average rate of 18.16¢/kWh, a typical one costs about $6.28 a month ($75.36 a year).
Cost to run a freezer: calculator
Real data from 678 ENERGY STAR models
Median rated annual energy use under the DOE test procedure: 415 kWh/yr (most models 231–511 kWh/yr). The federal maximum allowed for these models is around 479 kWh/yr (median), so older or non-certified units can use noticeably more.
| Median | Cost at 18.16¢ | |
|---|---|---|
| Upright Freezer | 438 kWh/yr | $79.54/yr |
| Chest Freezer | 218 kWh/yr | $39.59/yr |
| Compact | 244 kWh/yr | $44.31/yr |
Running vs starting watts
Running watts are what it draws while operating; they drive your electricity bill. Starting watts are a short surge when a motor or compressor kicks on; they matter for sizing a generator or power station.
| Source | Running | Starting |
|---|---|---|
| Champion Power Equipment generator wattage chart | 100–500 W | 500–1,000 W |
| Honda generator wattage chart (PDF) | 700 W | 2,200 W |
| EcoFlow appliance wattage chart | 100–400 W | 300–1,200 W |
Will a power station run it?
A 1,000 Wh power station would run a typical freezer for about 17.0 hours (assuming 85% conversion efficiency). Look for at least 500 W continuous output and 2,700 W surge (peak). Check your power station or generator →
Cost by state
Based on the median ENERGY STAR model (415 kWh/yr rated).
Cost to run a freezer in every state
| State | Rate | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 16.33¢ | $5.65 | $67.77 |
| Alaska | 29.41¢ | $10.17 | $122 |
| Arizona | 15.05¢ | $5.20 | $62.46 |
| Arkansas | 14.37¢ | $4.97 | $59.64 |
| California | 29.75¢ | $10.29 | $123 |
| Colorado | 17.17¢ | $5.94 | $71.26 |
| Connecticut | 24.51¢ | $8.48 | $102 |
| Delaware | 18.70¢ | $6.47 | $77.61 |
| District of Columbia | 25.98¢ | $8.98 | $108 |
| Florida | 14.99¢ | $5.18 | $62.21 |
| Georgia | 15.90¢ | $5.50 | $65.98 |
| Hawaii | 47.18¢ | $16.32 | $196 |
| Idaho | 13.37¢ | $4.62 | $55.49 |
| Illinois | 19.32¢ | $6.68 | $80.18 |
| Indiana | 17.02¢ | $5.89 | $70.63 |
| Iowa | 17.06¢ | $5.90 | $70.80 |
| Kansas | 15.47¢ | $5.35 | $64.20 |
| Kentucky | 13.80¢ | $4.77 | $57.27 |
| Louisiana | 12.87¢ | $4.45 | $53.41 |
| Maine | 32.11¢ | $11.10 | $133 |
| Maryland | 21.40¢ | $7.40 | $88.81 |
| Massachusetts | 30.48¢ | $10.54 | $126 |
| Michigan | 22.99¢ | $7.95 | $95.41 |
| Minnesota | 17.20¢ | $5.95 | $71.38 |
| Mississippi | 14.43¢ | $4.99 | $59.88 |
| Missouri | 16.02¢ | $5.54 | $66.48 |
| Montana | 15.57¢ | $5.38 | $64.62 |
| Nebraska | 13.54¢ | $4.68 | $56.19 |
| Nevada | 12.72¢ | $4.40 | $52.79 |
| New Hampshire | 27.64¢ | $9.56 | $115 |
| New Jersey | 24.61¢ | $8.51 | $102 |
| New Mexico | 16.51¢ | $5.71 | $68.52 |
| New York | 28.65¢ | $9.91 | $119 |
| North Carolina | 14.95¢ | $5.17 | $62.04 |
| North Dakota | 13.31¢ | $4.60 | $55.24 |
| Ohio | 19.38¢ | $6.70 | $80.43 |
| Oklahoma | 14.82¢ | $5.13 | $61.50 |
| Oregon | 15.92¢ | $5.51 | $66.07 |
| Pennsylvania | 21.77¢ | $7.53 | $90.35 |
| Rhode Island | 28.18¢ | $9.75 | $117 |
| South Carolina | 15.76¢ | $5.45 | $65.40 |
| South Dakota | 15.15¢ | $5.24 | $62.87 |
| Tennessee | 13.42¢ | $4.64 | $55.69 |
| Texas | 15.91¢ | $5.50 | $66.03 |
| Utah | 13.31¢ | $4.60 | $55.24 |
| Vermont | 23.84¢ | $8.24 | $98.94 |
| Virginia | 17.64¢ | $6.10 | $73.21 |
| Washington | 14.63¢ | $5.06 | $60.71 |
| West Virginia | 16.31¢ | $5.64 | $67.69 |
| Wisconsin | 19.41¢ | $6.71 | $80.55 |
| Wyoming | 14.43¢ | $4.99 | $59.88 |
FAQ
How many watts does a freezer use?
Most freezers use 100–500 watts while running (typically about 150 W) and 500–2,200 W for a few seconds when the motor or compressor starts. Because it cycles on and off, its real energy use is lower than the running watts suggest. At the U.S. average rate of 18.16¢/kWh, a typical one costs about $6.28 a month ($75.36 a year).
What are the starting watts of a freezer?
About 500–2,200 W for a second or two at start-up. This matters when sizing a generator or power station, not for your electricity bill.
How much does it cost to run a freezer?
About $6.28 a month at the U.S. average rate (18.16¢/kWh, August 2026), based on the median ENERGY STAR model (415 kWh/yr rated). In the cheapest state it's about $4.40 a month; in the most expensive, $16.32.
How many kWh does a freezer use?
About 415 kWh a year (35 kWh a month), based on the median ENERGY STAR model (415 kWh/yr rated).
Can a power station or generator run a freezer?
A 1,000 Wh power station would run a typical freezer for about 17.0 hours. Look for at least 500 W continuous output and 2,700 W surge (peak).