How Much Electricity Does a Fridge Use

When it comes to household energy use, the fridge is one of the few appliances that is always switched on. Unlike a kettle, oven or washing machine, which only use electricity when actively in operation, a fridge runs day and night to keep food fresh and safe. This makes it one of the most consistent contributors to your electricity bill. Understanding how much electricity a fridge uses can help homeowners, landlords and tenants manage energy costs more effectively and make informed choices when upgrading appliances.

Average Daily and Annual Usage

A typical modern fridge in the UK uses between 100 and 200 kilowatt hours of electricity per year, which breaks down to around 0.3 to 0.6 kilowatt hours per day. With the current average electricity price of 28 pence per kilowatt hour, this means a fridge costs between 8 pence and 17 pence per day to run. Over the course of a year, that adds up to between £30 and £60 depending on the model, its age and its efficiency rating. By comparison, older fridges manufactured more than 10 years ago can use significantly more energy, sometimes over 300 kilowatt hours annually, which increases costs to more than £80 per year.

What Influences Electricity Consumption

The amount of electricity a fridge uses depends on a number of factors. The size of the fridge is one of the most obvious. Larger fridges need more power to maintain a consistent temperature. Energy efficiency rating also makes a difference, with models graded A using far less electricity than those rated G. The location of the fridge within the home is another important influence. If the appliance is placed next to a cooker, radiator or in direct sunlight, it will have to work harder to keep food cold. Everyday usage habits also affect consumption. Frequently opening the door, overloading the shelves or blocking internal vents can all make the fridge less efficient and lead to increased energy use.

Energy Efficiency Ratings

All fridges sold in the UK must display an energy efficiency label that shows how much power they use annually. These labels provide a quick reference for buyers to compare models and choose one that balances performance with running cost. An A-rated fridge might use as little as 100 kilowatt hours per year, while a G-rated appliance could consume more than double that amount. For landlords who provide white goods in rental properties, choosing higher-rated appliances can help tenants keep bills manageable while also meeting sustainability goals.

Daily Running Costs Explained

To understand the financial impact more clearly, consider a fridge that uses 0.4 kilowatt hours per day. At 28 pence per kilowatt hour, this costs about 11 pence daily or just over £40 per year. A less efficient fridge using 0.7 kilowatt hours per day would cost almost 20 pence per day, which totals around £70 annually. While the daily difference may seem small, the fridge is in constant use every single day of the year, so efficiency improvements quickly add up to noticeable savings.

How Fridges Compare to Other Appliances

Compared with appliances such as electric ovens, tumble dryers or dishwashers, fridges use relatively little electricity at any one time. An electric oven can use over 2 kilowatt hours in a single cooking session, while a tumble dryer may consume a similar amount during one cycle. However, these appliances are only used occasionally. The fridge, by contrast, is always running. This means that even though its per-use consumption is low, it becomes one of the top contributors to household electricity use across a year.

Technological Improvements in Modern Fridges

Advances in design and technology have made fridges more efficient than ever before. Many modern models feature inverter compressors, which adjust cooling levels smoothly instead of switching on and off at full power. This reduces wasted energy and improves lifespan. Frost-free systems help prevent ice build-up, ensuring the fridge works at its best. Some fridges also include eco-modes or holiday settings that reduce electricity use when the door is rarely opened. These features, combined with better insulation and smarter sensors, mean that new appliances can be up to 40 per cent more efficient than older models.

Reducing the Electricity Use of Your Fridge

Even with an efficient model, there are practical steps homeowners and tenants can take to reduce energy use. Positioning the fridge in a cool, ventilated spot away from heat sources will prevent it from overworking. Regularly defrosting older models, cleaning door seals and making sure the appliance is not overfilled all help it run efficiently. Keeping the internal temperature set correctly is also important. The fridge should be kept at around 5°C, which is sufficient for food safety without unnecessary power use.

Environmental Considerations

The electricity consumed by a fridge contributes to overall household carbon emissions. Choosing a model with a high efficiency rating reduces both costs and environmental impact. When replacing an old fridge, it is essential to dispose of it through proper recycling schemes. Fridges contain refrigerants that need to be handled safely to avoid environmental harm. Modern fridges often use less harmful refrigerants alongside improved insulation, making them more environmentally friendly than their older counterparts.

Conclusion

On average, a fridge in the UK uses between 0.3 and 0.6 kilowatt hours of electricity per day, costing between 8 pence and 17 pence. This may not seem like much, but because a fridge runs 24 hours a day, the annual cost makes it one of the more significant contributors to household energy bills. Choosing an efficient model and maintaining it properly not only keeps running costs low but also helps reduce environmental impact. For landlords, homeowners and tenants alike, understanding how much electricity a fridge uses is a simple but important step in managing household energy more effectively.