Old refrigerator vs. refrigerator: running cost
A refrigerator is cheaper to run: about $90 a year versus $180 for an old refrigerator at typical use and 17.99¢/kWh, a $90 difference.
| Old refrigerator | Refrigerator | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical watts | 250 W | 150 W |
| Watt range | 180–400 W | 100–250 W |
| Typical use | 1,000 kWh a year | 500 kWh a year |
| Energy per year | 1,000 kWh | 500 kWh |
| Cost per hour | 2.1¢ | 1.0¢ |
| Cost per day | 49¢ | 25¢ |
| Cost per month | $14.99 | $7.50 |
| Cost per year | $180 | $90 |
| Per year in Hawaii (43.51¢) | $435 | $218 |
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What drives the difference
- Old refrigerator: Refrigerators built before about 2001 (pre-federal 2001 standard) commonly use 900-1,400 kWh a year, roughly double a new ENERGY STAR model, and worn gaskets push that higher.
- 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 AmazonA new ENERGY STAR top-freezer uses about 350-450 kWh a year, often half or less of a 20-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, an old refrigerator or a refrigerator?
At typical use and the U.S. average rate (17.99¢/kWh), an old refrigerator costs about $180 a year versus $90 for a refrigerator. That's $90 more, or 2.0× as much.
How many watts do old refrigerator and refrigerator use?
An old refrigerator typically draws 250 W (range 180–400 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.