How much does it cost to run a fridge?
By Sithum Imarsha Last reviewed
Multiply the label’s kWh per year by your rate: 400 kWh × 33.1c = $132 a year in NSW.
Your result
Running cost
$128a year
400 kWh a year × 32c/kWh = $128
- Per hour of use
- —
- Energy an hour
- —kWh
- Per day of use
- $0.35
- Energy a day
- 1.1kWh
- Per load
- —
- Energy a load
- —kWh
- Per wash
- —
- Energy a wash
- —kWh
- Rate used
- 32c/kWh ·
Australian average import rate - Worked from
- Preset energy use ·
the energy figure already covers thermostat cycling
Fridges run all year, so hours do not apply.
A thermostat switches it on and off, so it does not draw full power all day. Lower the share of time at full power under Advanced settings.
Choosing a heater? Compare heater types, including reverse-cycle air conditioning.
Controlled load? If it is on a controlled-load tariff, type that rate under Advanced settings.
Thinking of switching? Would a heat pump be cheaper? →Would a heat pump be cheaper? →Would a heat pump be cheaper? →Would a heat pump be cheaper? →Would a heat pump be cheaper? →Would a heat pump be cheaper? →Would a heat pump be cheaper? →Would a heat pump be cheaper? →
Fix the highlighted field to update.
How we calculated this
- Energy in a year comes from the watts and the hours of use, or from the energy label scaled to your use.
- It is priced at the usage rate only. The daily supply charge is not a running cost.
- On your own solar, the cost is the feed-in credit you give up.
Full method, tables and sources: Appliance running cost calculator
Energy in a year
400 kWh a year (preset)
Pick the rate
32c/kWh (Australian average import rate)
Work out the cost
400 kWh × 32c/kWh = $128 a year
Cost an hour of use
— kWh × 32c/kWh = — an hour
| State | Import c/kWh | Feed-in c/kWh | Cost a year |
|---|---|---|---|
| New South Wales | 33.1 | 5 | $132 |
| Victoria | 27.2 | 3 | $109 |
| Queensland | 27.9 | 5 | $112 |
| South Australia | 41.5 | 5 | $166 |
| Western Australia | 33.2621 | 3 | $133 |
| Tasmania | 28.8 | 9.276 | $115 |
| Australian Capital Territory | 32.1 | 5 | $128 |
Uses each state's import rate, or its feed-in rate when Power from is set to solar. Your own rate is not used here. Import rates: Dated third-party source, except Western Australia (Official source). Feed-in rates: Estimate, except Tasmania (Official source).
This version starts with a family fridge that uses 400 kWh a year. Type the kWh from your own label, or run it again for a second fridge in the garage.
Fridge: what the sources say
Not yet checked
- A 440 L fridge uses about 427 kWh a year at 2 stars and 232 kWh at 6 stars, 45% less (YourHome).
- Star scales have changed over the years, so compare the kWh figure, not the stars (Energy Rating).
New to running costs? Read how it is worked out on the main appliance running cost calculator.
Questions
How much does a second fridge cost to run?
The same sum as the first: its label kWh a year × your rate. A second 400 kWh fridge adds about $132 a year in NSW. Type the kWh from its own label: a 440 L fridge uses about 427 kWh a year at 2 stars and 232 kWh at 6 stars (YourHome).
Does a fridge run all the time?
It is plugged in all year, but the compressor switches on and off. The label already gives a yearly figure, so you do not need the watts.
How much do extra stars save?
For a 440 L fridge, 6 stars against 2 stars is 232 against 427 kWh a year, 45% less (YourHome).
Can I compare an old fridge’s stars with a new one?
No. The star scales have changed. Compare the kWh a year instead (Energy Rating).
Where do I find the kWh if the label is gone?
Look up the model on the Energy Rating registry at reg.energyrating.gov.au.