Fridge Freezer Running Cost Calculator UK

Calculator inputs

Choose the appliance wording that fits, then use a quick estimate or your own label value.

Appliance type

Energy use

Electricity rate

The default comes from the shared Ofgem rate config, and you can still type your own tariff.

Electricity rate

p/kWh

Standing charge is kept out of this estimate so you can focus on the appliance only.

Default rate based on Ofgem average electricity unit rate for 1 April to 30 June 2026. Your actual tariff may vary.

Standing charge is not included.

Electricity rate source: Ofgem energy price cap unit rates.

Live selection

You are estimating a fridge freezer using the average fridge freezer quick estimate.

These presets are quick estimates only. The most accurate result comes from your appliance energy label.

Result Card

Estimated fridge freezer cost

Based on 250 kWh/year at 24.67 p/kWh. Standing charge is not included because this calculator estimates the running cost of one appliance.

Daily cost£0.17

0.68 kWh per day

Weekly cost£1.19

4.81 kWh per week

Monthly cost£5.14

20.83 kWh per month

Yearly cost£61.68

250 kWh/year x 24.67 p/kWh

Daily kWh0.68 kWh

Annual kWh / 365

Annual kWh250 kWh

Energy label annual use

Efficient preset comparison

Compared with an efficient fridge freezer, this could cost about £19.74 more per year.

Is an older fridge freezer costing more?

If you already plan to replace your appliance, checking the energy label can help you compare long-term running costs.

Selected yearly cost

£61.68

Efficient preset yearly cost

£41.94

Possible yearly difference

£19.74

Fridge temperature and freezer temperature can affect running cost.

This is guidance only. The calculator does not apply hidden multipliers for temperature or usage habits.

Keeping doors open for long periods can increase energy use.
Damaged seals can increase energy use.
Overfilling or blocking airflow can reduce efficiency.
Very low temperature settings can increase running cost.

How this estimate works

See the exact steps behind the estimate so the result stays easy to sense-check.

This calculator uses the annual kWh value from a fridge or freezer energy label. It multiplies that yearly energy use by the current default UK electricity unit rate, then breaks the result down into daily, weekly and monthly estimates. Actual cost can vary by tariff, appliance size, age, temperature setting, room temperature and usage habits.

Yearly electricity cost = annual kWh x electricity price per kWh
Monthly electricity cost = yearly cost / 12
Weekly electricity cost = yearly cost / 52
Daily electricity cost = yearly cost / 365
Daily kWh = annual kWh / 365
Weekly kWh = annual kWh / 52
Monthly kWh = annual kWh / 12

Electricity rate source: Ofgem energy price cap unit rates.

Energy label method: fridge and freezer labels show energy use per year, usually shown as kWh per annum.

Example calculation

A worked example helps the user compare the result with a familiar everyday scenario.

An average fridge freezer using 250 kWh/year works out to about 0.68 kWh per day.

At 24.67 p/kWh, that is about £0.17 per day, £5.14 per month, and £61.68 per year.

Simple ways to reduce fridge and freezer costs

Small household changes can often reduce running costs without overcomplicating the decision.

Check the door seals.
Avoid leaving the door open.
Let hot food cool before putting it in.
Keep airflow clear inside the appliance.
Defrost manual freezers when ice builds up.
Set sensible fridge and freezer temperatures.
Check the energy label when buying a replacement.

Calculator

Open Calculator

Fridge freezer cost questions

Short answers to common fridge and freezer running-cost questions.

Why does this use annual kWh instead of watts?

Fridges and freezers cycle on and off throughout the day, so a fixed watt figure is less useful than the annual kWh value shown on the energy label.

Does the appliance type card change the formula?

No. The calculation always uses the annual kWh value and your electricity rate. The appliance type cards keep the wording and guidance practical.

Does this include standing charge?

No. Standing charge is not included because this calculator estimates the running cost of one appliance.

Where can I find the annual kWh label value?

Check the appliance energy label, product sheet, or manual. It is usually shown as annual energy use in kWh per annum or kWh/year.

Estimate notice

This calculator gives an estimate only. Actual cost can vary by tariff, appliance size, age, temperature setting, room temperature and usage habits.