A fridge or fridge freezer runs around the clock, so even relatively low electricity use can add up over a full year. How much it actually consumes depends on its size, energy efficiency, type and operating conditions.

In this guide, we explain how much electricity a fridge uses per day, month and year, how to estimate its running cost, and which factors can increase energy consumption.

How Much Electricity Does a Fridge Use Each Day?

A typical household fridge or fridge freezer can use around 0.5–1.5 kWh of electricity per day, although actual consumption varies considerably between models. A compact fridge may use less than this range, while a large American-style fridge freezer can use more.

The reason for the difference is that a fridge does not simply consume its rated wattage continuously. The compressor switches on and off throughout the day to maintain the temperature inside the appliance. The amount of time it needs to run depends on the fridge's size, insulation, efficiency, room temperature and how often the door is opened.

As a general guide, a standard fridge tends to use less electricity than a fridge freezer because it does not also need to maintain a frozen compartment. Larger American-style models can use more because they have a greater refrigerated volume and may include features such as ice makers and water dispensers.

For the most accurate figure, check the annual electricity consumption in kWh on your fridge's energy label. You can then divide this figure by 365 to estimate average daily consumption.

For example, a fridge rated at 300 kWh per year would use approximately:

300 ÷ 365 = 0.82 kWh per day

This is an average rather than a fixed daily figure. Actual consumption can be higher or lower from one day to another, particularly as room temperature and usage change.

How Much Electricity Does a Fridge Use Per Month?

Monthly electricity use is easier to estimate once you know the appliance's annual consumption. Simply divide the annual figure on the energy label by 12.

For example:

A fridge freezer using 300 kWh per year would therefore consume about 25 kWh per month on average. A larger model using 500 kWh per year would use around 42 kWh per month.

These figures are averages rather than monthly limits. Electricity use can increase during warmer weather because the cooling system has to work harder to maintain the set temperature. Door openings, the amount of food stored and the location of the appliance can also affect actual consumption.

If you are comparing two fridge freezers, using the annual kWh figure is generally more useful than trying to estimate consumption from the appliance's wattage alone.

How Does a Fridge Energy Rating Affect Electricity Use?

UK fridges and fridge freezers use an A to G energy rating, with A representing the highest efficiency. The current scale was introduced in 2021 to replace the older A+, A++ and A+++ system.

A higher efficiency rating generally means the appliance needs less electricity to provide the same cooling performance. However, the rating does not tell you the appliance's total electricity consumption on its own.

Size matters too. A large fridge with a high efficiency rating can still use more electricity than a smaller model with a lower rating. For example, current fridge freezer data shows that actual annual consumption can differ significantly between models even when their energy ratings are relatively close.

When comparing appliances, look at both the energy rating and annual electricity consumption in kWh. The annual kWh figure gives you the information needed to estimate how much electricity the appliance will actually add to your bill.

How Much Does It Cost to Run a Fridge?

The cost of running a fridge depends on how much electricity it uses and the rate you pay for electricity. The basic calculation is:

Running cost = Annual electricity consumption × Electricity rate

For example, if a fridge uses 300 kWh per year and your electricity rate is 26.32p per kWh, its estimated annual running cost would be:

300 × £0.2632 = £78.96 per year

That works out at about £6.58 per month, or around 22p per day.

The actual cost can vary considerably between fridge and fridge freezer models. Current Which? data puts the average annual running cost at around £79 for a freestanding fridge freezer, £78 for an integrated model and £117 for an American-style fridge freezer. The tested models span a much wider range, from around £35 to more than £160 per year.

These figures are useful as a general comparison, but your own electricity bill will depend on the annual kWh consumption of your appliance and the tariff you pay. If you already have an energy label for your fridge, using its annual kWh figure will give you a more relevant estimate than relying on an average.

What Affects a Fridge's Electricity Consumption?

Several factors can change how much electricity a fridge uses, which is why two appliances of a similar size can have different annual energy consumption.

Size and capacity are important. A larger fridge has more space to cool and generally needs more energy than a smaller model. However, capacity alone does not determine efficiency, so the annual kWh figure is still the better comparison.

Energy efficiency also affects consumption. A more efficient fridge can provide the same cooling performance while using less electricity. This is why checking both the energy rating and annual kWh consumption is useful when comparing models.

Room temperature can make a noticeable difference. When the surrounding air is warmer, the fridge has to remove more heat to maintain its internal temperature. Keeping it away from direct sunlight, ovens and other heat sources can therefore help limit unnecessary energy use. Which? found that running costs can increase substantially during periods of high ambient temperature.

Door openings and door seals matter as well. Opening the door allows warm air into the appliance, while damaged seals can allow cold air to escape. Both can make the cooling system run more frequently.

Age and condition can also affect consumption. An older appliance may use more electricity than a newer, more efficient model of a similar size, although the actual difference depends on the individual appliance.

How to Reduce Your Fridge's Electricity Usage

A few simple changes can help reduce the amount of electricity your fridge uses without affecting normal use.

Keep the fridge away from ovens, radiators and direct sunlight. A cooler surrounding temperature makes it easier for the appliance to maintain its internal temperature.

Keep the fridge at around 3–5°C and the freezer at about -18°C. There is generally no need to set the appliance colder than necessary, as doing so can increase energy use.

Try not to leave the door open for longer than necessary. Organising commonly used food within easy reach can reduce the amount of time the door stays open.

Check the door seals regularly. If the seal is damaged or the door does not close firmly, cold air can escape and the compressor may need to run more often.

If your freezer is not frost-free, remove excess ice when it builds up. A heavy layer of ice can reduce the efficiency of the cooling system.

Finally, allow hot food to cool before putting it in the fridge. Placing very hot food inside adds heat that the appliance then has to remove.

Power Your Fridge During a Power Outage

Knowing how much electricity your fridge normally uses also helps when planning for a power outage. A fridge may only need a modest amount of energy compared with high-power appliances, but the longer the outage lasts, the more battery capacity you need. Keeping the fridge running also avoids having to rely on opening the door less often and hoping it stays cold.

For shorter outages, the AFERIY P300 Portable Power Station offers a practical balance between capacity and output. Its 2,048Wh battery provides enough stored energy for refrigerator backup while leaving room to power other essential devices. If an outage lasts longer than expected, its expandable capacity can be increased to 10.24kWh, so you are not limited to the original battery size. The P300 also has a UPS function with a transfer time of up to 10ms, which is useful when connected equipment needs backup power with minimal interruption.

If keeping a fridge running is only one part of your backup plan, the AFERIY P310 Portable Power Station makes more sense when longer runtime and a larger household load are the priority. Its 3,840Wh starting capacity gives you considerably more stored energy than the P300, while expansion to 11.52kWh allows the system to support longer outages without relying on a single fixed battery size. The 3,600W output also gives you more flexibility to run the refrigerator alongside other essential appliances rather than treating the fridge as the only load.

The right choice ultimately depends on the fridge's actual energy consumption and how long you want backup power to last. Use the appliance's annual or daily kWh figure to estimate its energy needs first, then choose a power station with enough usable capacity for the full backup period.

FAQs

Does a bigger fridge use more electricity?

Usually, yes. Larger fridges generally require more energy to cool, although the actual consumption depends on the model's efficiency and annual kWh rating.

Does a fridge use more electricity in summer?

It can. Higher room temperatures can make the cooling system work harder, particularly if the fridge is placed near an oven, radiator or direct sunlight.

Is an A-rated fridge always cheaper to run?

Not necessarily. An A-rated model is more efficient, but a larger A-rated fridge can still use more electricity than a smaller model with a lower rating. Compare the annual kWh figure on the energy label when checking running costs.

Conclusion

The easiest way to estimate your fridge's electricity use is to start with its annual kWh figure. Divide it by 365 for daily consumption or 12 for monthly consumption, then multiply by your electricity rate to estimate the cost.

Keeping the fridge at the right temperature and away from heat sources can also help avoid unnecessary energy use.