How many watts does a refrigerator use?
Most refrigerators use 100–400 watts while running (typically about 150 W) and 800–2,200 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 $6.96 a month ($83.54 a year).
Cost to run a refrigerator: calculator
Real data from 2,967 ENERGY STAR models
Median rated annual energy use under the DOE test procedure: 460 kWh/yr (most models 298–685 kWh/yr). The federal maximum allowed for these models is around 514 kWh/yr (median), so older or non-certified units can use noticeably more.
| Median | Cost at 18.16¢ | |
|---|---|---|
| Top Freezer | 363 kWh/yr | $65.92/yr |
| Bottom Freezer | 560 kWh/yr | $102/yr |
| Side-by-Side | 642 kWh/yr | $117/yr |
| Freezerless and Single Door | 288 kWh/yr | $52.30/yr |
| under 15 cu ft | 316 kWh/yr | $57.39/yr |
| 15–20 cu ft | 450 kWh/yr | $81.72/yr |
| 20–25 cu ft | 571 kWh/yr | $104/yr |
| 25+ cu ft | 704 kWh/yr | $128/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 | 150–400 W | 800–1,200 W |
| Honda generator wattage chart (PDF) | 700 W | 2,200 W |
| Generac generator wattage worksheet (PDF) | 700 W | — |
| EcoFlow appliance wattage chart | 100–400 W | 300–1,200 W |
| U.S. DOE Energy Saver, typical appliance wattages (archived) | 725 W | — |
Will a power station run it?
A 1,000 Wh power station would run a typical refrigerator for about 17.0 hours (assuming 85% conversion efficiency). Look for at least 400 W continuous output and 2,600 W surge (peak). Check your power station or generator →
Cost by state
Based on the median ENERGY STAR model (460 kWh/yr rated).
Cost to run a refrigerator in every state
| State | Rate | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 16.33¢ | $6.26 | $75.12 |
| Alaska | 29.41¢ | $11.27 | $135 |
| Arizona | 15.05¢ | $5.77 | $69.23 |
| Arkansas | 14.37¢ | $5.51 | $66.10 |
| California | 29.75¢ | $11.40 | $137 |
| Colorado | 17.17¢ | $6.58 | $78.98 |
| Connecticut | 24.51¢ | $9.40 | $113 |
| Delaware | 18.70¢ | $7.17 | $86.02 |
| District of Columbia | 25.98¢ | $9.96 | $120 |
| Florida | 14.99¢ | $5.75 | $68.95 |
| Georgia | 15.90¢ | $6.10 | $73.14 |
| Hawaii | 47.18¢ | $18.09 | $217 |
| Idaho | 13.37¢ | $5.13 | $61.50 |
| Illinois | 19.32¢ | $7.41 | $88.87 |
| Indiana | 17.02¢ | $6.52 | $78.29 |
| Iowa | 17.06¢ | $6.54 | $78.48 |
| Kansas | 15.47¢ | $5.93 | $71.16 |
| Kentucky | 13.80¢ | $5.29 | $63.48 |
| Louisiana | 12.87¢ | $4.93 | $59.20 |
| Maine | 32.11¢ | $12.31 | $148 |
| Maryland | 21.40¢ | $8.20 | $98.44 |
| Massachusetts | 30.48¢ | $11.68 | $140 |
| Michigan | 22.99¢ | $8.81 | $106 |
| Minnesota | 17.20¢ | $6.59 | $79.12 |
| Mississippi | 14.43¢ | $5.53 | $66.38 |
| Missouri | 16.02¢ | $6.14 | $73.69 |
| Montana | 15.57¢ | $5.97 | $71.62 |
| Nebraska | 13.54¢ | $5.19 | $62.28 |
| Nevada | 12.72¢ | $4.88 | $58.51 |
| New Hampshire | 27.64¢ | $10.60 | $127 |
| New Jersey | 24.61¢ | $9.43 | $113 |
| New Mexico | 16.51¢ | $6.33 | $75.95 |
| New York | 28.65¢ | $10.98 | $132 |
| North Carolina | 14.95¢ | $5.73 | $68.77 |
| North Dakota | 13.31¢ | $5.10 | $61.23 |
| Ohio | 19.38¢ | $7.43 | $89.15 |
| Oklahoma | 14.82¢ | $5.68 | $68.17 |
| Oregon | 15.92¢ | $6.10 | $73.23 |
| Pennsylvania | 21.77¢ | $8.35 | $100 |
| Rhode Island | 28.18¢ | $10.80 | $130 |
| South Carolina | 15.76¢ | $6.04 | $72.50 |
| South Dakota | 15.15¢ | $5.81 | $69.69 |
| Tennessee | 13.42¢ | $5.14 | $61.73 |
| Texas | 15.91¢ | $6.10 | $73.19 |
| Utah | 13.31¢ | $5.10 | $61.23 |
| Vermont | 23.84¢ | $9.14 | $110 |
| Virginia | 17.64¢ | $6.76 | $81.14 |
| Washington | 14.63¢ | $5.61 | $67.30 |
| West Virginia | 16.31¢ | $6.25 | $75.03 |
| Wisconsin | 19.41¢ | $7.44 | $89.29 |
| Wyoming | 14.43¢ | $5.53 | $66.38 |
FAQ
How many watts does a refrigerator use?
Most refrigerators use 100–400 watts while running (typically about 150 W) and 800–2,200 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 $6.96 a month ($83.54 a year).
What are the starting watts of a refrigerator?
About 800–2,200 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 refrigerator?
About $6.96 a month at the U.S. average rate (18.16¢/kWh, August 2026), based on the median ENERGY STAR model (460 kWh/yr rated). In the cheapest state it's about $4.88 a month; in the most expensive, $18.09.
How many kWh does a refrigerator use?
About 460 kWh a year (38 kWh a month), based on the median ENERGY STAR model (460 kWh/yr rated).
Can a power station or generator run a refrigerator?
A 1,000 Wh power station would run a typical refrigerator for about 17.0 hours. Look for at least 400 W continuous output and 2,600 W surge (peak).