How Much Electricity Does A Refrigerator Use Per Month

Refrigerators are essential appliances that keep our food and drinks fresh and cold. But they also consume a lot of electricity, especially if they are old, large, or inefficient. How much electricity does a refrigerator use per month? And how can you reduce your refrigerator’s energy consumption and save money on your electricity bill?

The average refrigerator uses about 45 kWh of electricity per month, which costs about $8 per month or $96 per year. However, the actual electricity usage of your refrigerator depends on several factors, such as the size, type, age, and efficiency rating of your refrigerator.

In this post, we will explain how to calculate your refrigerator’s electricity usage and cost per month. We will also give you some tips on how to choose an energy-efficient refrigerator and how to maintain it properly to lower its energy consumption.

How to Calculate Your Refrigerator’s Electricity Usage and Cost Per Month

To calculate how much electricity your refrigerator uses per month, you need to know two things: the wattage of your refrigerator and the electricity rate in your area.

The wattage of your refrigerator is the amount of power it uses when it is running. You can find this information on the label or the manual of your refrigerator, or you can use a wattage meter to measure it. The average wattage of a refrigerator is between 300 and 800 watts, depending on the size and type of the refrigerator.

The electricity rate in your area is the amount of money you pay for each kilowatt-hour (kWh) of electricity you use. You can find this information on your electricity bill or by contacting your utility company. The average electricity rate in the US is about 13 cents per kWh, but it varies by state and season.

To calculate how much electricity your refrigerator uses per month, you need to multiply the wattage of your refrigerator by the number of hours it runs per day, and then divide by 1000 to get the kWh per day. Then, multiply by 30 to get the kWh per month. Finally, multiply by the electricity rate to get the cost per month.

For example, let’s say you have a refrigerator that uses 500 watts of power and runs for 10 hours per day on average. The electricity rate in your area is 15 cents per kWh. Here is how you would calculate your refrigerator’s electricity usage and cost per month:

• Electricity usage per day = 500 watts x 10 hours / 1000 = 5 kWh
• Electricity usage per month = 5 kWh x 30 days = 150 kWh
• Electricity cost per month = 150 kWh x 15 cents = $22.5

How to Choose an Energy-Efficient Refrigerator

If you are looking for a new refrigerator or want to replace your old one, you should consider the energy efficiency of the refrigerator. An energy-efficient refrigerator will use less electricity and save you money on your electricity bill in the long run.

One way to compare the energy efficiency of different refrigerators is to look at their Energy Star rating. Energy Star is a program that certifies appliances that meet certain standards of energy efficiency and environmental performance. Energy Star refrigerators use at least 10% less energy than non-certified models and can save you up to $300 over their lifetime.

Another way to compare the energy efficiency of different refrigerators is to look at their annual energy consumption (AEC). This is the amount of electricity that a refrigerator uses in a year under typical conditions. You can find this information on the yellow EnergyGuide label that is attached to most refrigerators. The lower the AEC, the more energy-efficient the refrigerator is.

Some factors that affect the energy efficiency of a refrigerator are:

• Size: The larger the refrigerator, the more energy it uses. You should choose a refrigerator that fits your needs and space, but avoid buying one that is too big for your household.
• Type: The type of refrigerator refers to its configuration and features, such as top freezer, bottom freezer, side-by-side, French door, ice maker, water dispenser, etc. Some types of refrigerators use more energy than others. For example, top freezer refrigerators are usually more energy-efficient than bottom freezer or side-by-side refrigerators. Ice makers and water dispensers can also increase the energy consumption of a refrigerator by up to 20%.
• Age: The older the refrigerator, the less energy-efficient it is. Refrigerators that are more than 10 years old can use twice as much electricity as newer models. If you have an old refrigerator that is still working, you might want to consider replacing it with a new one that has a higher energy efficiency rating.

How to Maintain Your Refrigerator Properly to Lower Its Energy Consumption

Besides choosing an energy-efficient refrigerator, you can also take some steps to maintain your refrigerator properly and lower its energy consumption. Here are some tips on how to do that:

• Clean the coils: The coils are the parts of the refrigerator that transfer heat from the inside to the outside. They are usually located at the back or the bottom of the refrigerator. Over time, dust and dirt can accumulate on the coils and reduce their efficiency. You should clean the coils at least once a year with a vacuum cleaner or a brush to improve the cooling performance and save energy.
• Check the seals: The seals are the rubber gaskets that seal the doors of the refrigerator and prevent cold air from escaping and warm air from entering. If the seals are worn out, cracked, or loose, they can cause the refrigerator to work harder and use more electricity. You should check the seals regularly and replace them if necessary. You can test the seals by closing a dollar bill in the door and pulling it out. If it slides out easily, the seal is not tight enough.
• Adjust the temperature: The temperature of the refrigerator and the freezer affects how much electricity they use. The recommended temperature for the refrigerator is between 37°F and 40°F, and for the freezer is between 0°F and 5°F. You can use a thermometer to check the temperature and adjust it accordingly. You should also avoid setting the temperature too low or too high, as this can cause food spoilage or frost buildup.
• Organize the food: The way you organize the food in your refrigerator and freezer can also affect their energy efficiency. You should avoid overfilling or underfilling your refrigerator and freezer, as this can reduce the air circulation and make them work harder. You should also arrange the food in a way that allows you to see and access it easily, so you don’t have to keep the doors open for too long. You should also store hot food in containers and let it cool down before putting it in the refrigerator, as this can reduce the heat load.

The Conclusion

Refrigerators use a lot of electricity, but you can reduce their energy consumption and save money on your electricity bill by choosing an energy-efficient model, maintaining it properly, and following some simple tips. By doing so, you can also help protect the environment and reduce your carbon footprint.