How Many Watts Does a Fridge Take? Power & Cost Explained
- How Many Watts Does a Fridge Take to Run on Average?
- What Factors Affect the Power a Fridge Uses?
- How Many Watts Does a Mini Fridge Take?
- How Can You Calculate Your Fridge’s Actual Power Consumption?
- How Much Do You Spend Each Day to Run a Fridge?
- How to Lower Your Refrigerator’s Energy Use?
- Conclusion
- FAQs
From the moment you plug it in and put food in, the fridge runs almost all year round. It provides us with great convenience in preserving ingredients, but at the same time, it is also one of the most power-hungry devices in the home.
Curious about how much your fridge adds to your electricity bill? You can calculate how many watts does a fridge take, and then use that information to adopt smarter energy-saving habits.
This article will explain the calculation method in detail and share practical electricity-saving tips to help you enjoy convenience and save money at the same time.
How Many Watts Does a Fridge Take to Run on Average?
Most standard household fridges use between 300 and 800 watts when running at full power.
However, because fridges cycle on and off throughout the day, their actual average power usage is much lower. To estimate this, you can divide the rated power by 3, which gives a good approximation of the running power consumption.
The actual energy usage of a household fridge typically ranges from 100-250 watts.
Here, let’s take a standard fridge with a rated power of 500 watts as an example to calculate how many watt-hours it consumes per hour and per day on average.
Its average running wattage per hour is: 500 W ÷ 3 ≈ 167 W
Then, use the following formula:
Power (in kW) = Running Wattage (W) × Time (hours)/1000
Then the hourly power consumption is approximately:
(167W × 1h) ÷ 1000 = 0.167kWh
The daily power consumption is:
0.167kWh × 24h ≈ 4.008kWh
What Factors Affect the Power a Fridge Uses?
The exact amount of power a refrigerator consumes depends on many different factors. Here are a few that stand out:
Size: The larger the size and capacity of the refrigerator are, the more power it will consume.
Age: Older refrigerators may have deteriorating parts and use more energy.
Environment: If the refrigerator is in a hot or humid environment, the system requires more energy to maintain a low temperature.
Habits: Opening and closing the door frequently, or storing too much food or hot food can cause the refrigerator to consume more power.
Availability of additional components: Refrigerators with additional modules, such as ice makers, cold water outlets, air purifiers, etc., will also consume significantly more power.
How Many Watts Does a Mini Fridge Take?
For some commuters, students, or those who are used to living alone, mini-fridges may be a more appropriate choice because they are compact, easy to use, and perfect for small spaces.
Being much smaller than full-size refrigerators, mini refrigerators naturally have a significant difference in energy consumption.
Generally speaking, mini-fridges draw between 50 and 100 watts and consume an average of about 310 kWh of electricity per year. However, the exact value will still vary depending on the brand, cooling capacity, and design differences, such as whether or not it has a freezer compartment.
If you want accurate information on energy consumption, please check the product manual or the nameplate label on the back, where detailed power data is usually indicated.
How Can You Calculate Your Fridge’s Actual Power Consumption?
As mentioned earlier, refrigerators don’t operate at full power all day long—they cycle on and off, which affects actual energy use. So, how many watts does it take to run a fridge in real life?
To find out, you’ll need to perform some simple calculations.
Most fridges come with an energy label, usually located inside the unit. Some labels show annual energy consumption in kilowatt-hours (kWh), while others list voltage (V) and current (A).
With either set of data, you can easily estimate your fridge’s real daily power usage using the following methods:
1. If you only find Volts and Amps:
Step 1. Multiply these two values together.
Step 2. To calculate the running power, you need to divide the result by 3.
Step 3. You can then multiply the result by 24 to calculate the refrigerator’s daily consumption.
For example, if the label indicates 3.5A and 120V, then the actual power consumption would be:
(3.5A × 120V) ÷ 3 = 140W
140W × 24h = 3360Wh (3.36kWh)
2. If you only find annual kilowatt-hours:
Step 1. Convert annual kilowatt-hours to a number in W.
Step 2. Then, divide the number by 365 (days) so you can estimate your daily electricity usage.
For example, if the label indicates 630 kWh (which is 630,000Wh):
630000Wh ÷ 365 = 1726Wh (1.726kWh)
How Much Do You Spend Each Day to Run a Fridge?
Once you’ve figured out your fridge’s actual power consumption, the next step is to understand what that means for your electricity bill.
By multiplying your fridge’s daily energy usage with your local electricity rate, you can calculate exactly how much you’re spending to keep your fridge running every day.
Assuming that your fridge uses 120W, it will consume:
120W × 24h = 2880W/day (2.88kWh)
Considering that the residential electricity rate during on-peak hours in Canada is now C$0.158/kWh, it will cost you per day:
2.88kWh × C$0.158/kWh ≈ C$0.46
Therefore, the cost of running this fridge each day is $0.46 CAD.
How to Lower Your Refrigerator’s Energy Use?
After learning how many watts does it take to power a fridge and how it affects your electricity bill, it's time to look into simple yet effective ways to cut costs. Find some practical tips below:
1. Adjusting the Refrigerator Temperature
Recommends that you keep the refrigerator at 37°F and the freezer at 0°F. Setting the temperature lower than this standard will waste energy.
2. Don't Open and Close the Door Too Often
Try to minimize how often you open the refrigerator door and avoid leaving it open too long, or cold air will escape and the fridge will need to work harder to restore the temperature.
3. Keep Your Fridge in A Cool Place
Try to keep your fridge in a cool corner of your kitchen and make sure it's away from sunlight or heat sources.
4. Regular Cleaning and Maintenance
It's a good idea to clean the inside and back of your fridge every three months. Dust or debris can affect how efficiently it cools.
5. Wait for Food to Get Cold Before Putting It In
Avoid placing hot food in the fridge to prevent unnecessary strain on the compressor.
6. Store Power During Off-Peak Hours with a Portable Power Station
Running a fridge during peak-rate hours can push your energy costs up. A portable power station lets you store cheaper electricity by charging overnight, then use that stored energy during the day. It helps balance your energy use without affecting how your fridge performs.
The EcoFlow DELTA Pro Portable Power Station delivers a massive 3600Wh of capacity and 3600W of continuous AC output (surge to 7200W), powering a standard refrigerator for up to two days. It supports dual charging—AC, solar, car, or EV stations—with record-breaking speeds and can be expanded with extra batteries for even longer runtimes. This flexibility not only smooths out your energy use but also helps lower your overall electricity bill.
EcoFlow DELTA Pro Portable Power Station
7. Use a Solar Generator for Clean, Ongoing Support
A solar generator is a practical way to power your fridge without relying on the grid. It stores sunlight during the day and can keep your fridge running even when the power goes out. It’s especially useful in off-grid setups or for anyone looking to trim electricity costs with renewable energy.
Conclusion
A refrigerator may be rated between 300 and 800 watts, but it doesn't draw that much power constantly. On average, it runs at about a third of its rated wattage, typically between 100 and 250 watts. Once you’ve figured out the actual usage, you can multiply it by your local electricity rate to estimate how much it costs to run. We’ve also shared practical tips to help you lower that cost. For extra savings and backup flexibility, consider pairing your fridge with a smart energy solution from EcoFlow.
FAQs
What’s the difference between starting watts and running watts?
Starting power refers to the maximum power required by the appliance at the moment of starting, while running power refers to the power that the appliance uses continuously during normal operation.
When considering daily power usage, it is enough to consider the running power, but when choosing a generator or portable power source, you have to make sure that the equipment can withstand the starting power of the appliance.
Will a 1500 watt generator run a refrigerator?
Yes. A 1500W generator is enough to drive an average refrigerator. But the end result may also be affected by the type of fridge, its size, and the power it runs on. You can check the labeling put on it by the manufacturer and then determine if it is compatible.
Can a generator run a fridge during a power outage?
Yes, a generator can power a refrigerator during a power outage. But you must first check if the generator is high enough to make sure it can take the starting power of the fridge. Also, make sure of the safe connections.
How many solar panels do I need to power a fridge?
To power a standard fridge that uses around 150 watts, you'll need at least two 200W solar panel for daytime use, assuming 4–5 hours of peak sunlight per day. However, to run it 24/7, you’ll also need a battery to store excess energy. In that case, three to four solar panels (200W each) are typically recommended.