A typical home refrigerator uses between 300 to 800 watts of electricity, with an average around 500 watts. However, the actual running wattage is usually about one-third of the rated wattage because refrigerators cycle on and off throughout the day to maintain temperature
. Key points:
- Average wattage range: 300 to 800 watts
- Typical running wattage: about 100 to 270 watts (roughly one-third of rated wattage)
- Daily energy consumption: about 4 kWh per day for a 500-watt rated fridge
- Monthly cost: approximately $20 to $30 depending on electricity rates and usage patterns
The exact wattage depends on factors such as the refrigerator's size, age, model, and features (e.g., ice dispenser, water filter). Newer, energy- efficient models tend to use less power, often in the 150 to 400-watt range
. In summary, to run a standard household refrigerator, you can expect it to draw between 300 and 800 watts when the compressor is running, but the average continuous power consumption is closer to 100-270 watts due to cycling
