Garage refrigerator vs. refrigerator: running cost
A refrigerator is cheaper to run: about $90 a year versus $144 for a garage refrigerator at typical use and 17.99¢/kWh, a $54 difference.
| Garage refrigerator | Refrigerator | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical watts | 200 W | 150 W |
| Watt range | 130–350 W | 100–250 W |
| Typical use | 800 kWh a year | 500 kWh a year |
| Energy per year | 800 kWh | 500 kWh |
| Cost per hour | 1.6¢ | 1.0¢ |
| Cost per day | 39¢ | 25¢ |
| Cost per month | $11.99 | $7.50 |
| Cost per year | $144 | $90 |
| Per year in Hawaii (43.51¢) | $348 | $218 |
Compare at your rate and settings
What drives the difference
- Garage refrigerator: Garage fridges are often older units and work harder in hot garages; 700-1,200 kWh a year is common. A garage that hits 95°F can nearly double a fridge's summer use.
- Refrigerator: A modern 18-22 cu ft top- or bottom-freezer refrigerator uses about 400-550 kWh a year; larger 25+ cu ft and through-door ice models run 600-750 kWh. The compressor cycles on roughly a third of the time.
Ways to cut either cost
Top-freezer models with no through-door ice dispenser use 10-25% less energy than side-by-side or French door units of the same size.
See options on AmazonLets you set the fridge to exactly 37°F and freezer to 0°F instead of running colder than needed.
See options on AmazonBuilt to operate efficiently in 38-110°F garages, and new units use roughly half of a 15-year-old fridge.
See options on AmazonWe may earn a commission from qualifying purchases. It never changes the numbers we show. Disclosure.
Frequently asked questions
Which costs more to run, a garage refrigerator or a refrigerator?
At typical use and the U.S. average rate (17.99¢/kWh), a garage refrigerator costs about $144 a year versus $90 for a refrigerator. That's $54 more, or 1.6× as much.
How many watts do garage refrigerator and refrigerator use?
A garage refrigerator typically draws 200 W (range 130–350 W). A refrigerator draws 150 W (range 100–250 W). Watts alone don't decide cost. Hours of use, cycling and standby matter just as much.
Rates: EIA, 12 months ending 2026-07. Methodology.