How Much Does It Cost to Run a Fridge freezer in the UK?
Last updated 5 October 2026 · Prices based on the Ofgem price cap (October 2026 – December 2026)
A fridge freezer is the only appliance that runs 24 hours a day, every day. Its compressor cycles on and off, so a 150W model actually uses around 1kWh a day — an older or larger model can use double.
Appliance running cost calculator
A 150W fridge freezer running 24 hours a day costs about £0.31 per day (£114 a year) at 26.32p/kWh.
- Per hour
- £0.01
- Per day
- £0.31
- Per week
- £2.19
- Per month
- £9.48
- Per year
- £114
- kWh per year
- 432
Based on 150W ÷ 1,000 × 24h × 33% average power draw × 26.32p/kWh. Standing charge not included.
- Electric heater£958
- Immersion heater£575
- Oil-filled radiator£503
- Fan heater£383
- Electric shower£155
- Dehumidifier£153
- Tumble dryer£137
- Fridge freezer£114
- Electric oven£99
- Dishwasher£92
- Heated airer£74
- Kettle£57
- Washing machine£55
- Air fryer£51
- Slow cooker£44
- Electric blanket£10
Fridge freezer running cost by wattage and time (at 26.32p/kWh)
| Wattage | 24 hrs |
|---|---|
| 100W | £0.21 |
| 150W | £0.31 |
| 200W | £0.42 |
| 300W | £0.63 |
Typical fridge freezer cost per day, month and year
| Period | Energy used | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Per hour | 0.05 kWh | £0.01 |
| Per day | 1.19 kWh | £0.31 |
| Per month | 36.0 kWh | £9.48 |
| Per year | 432 kWh | £114 |
What affects the cost
Age and energy rating
New A-rated models use a fraction of older ones.
Size
American-style units use more.
Placement
Next to an oven or in sun, it works harder.
Ice build-up
Frost insulates and wastes energy.
Cheaper alternatives to a fridge freezer
• Replace a 15+ year old model with an A or B rated one • Defrost manual freezers • Keep it full • Set the right temperatures
How to reduce the cost
- Set the fridge to 3–5°C and freezer to −18°C
- Defrost when ice is over 5mm thick
- Leave space behind it for airflow
- Check the door seals
Frequently asked questions
How much does a fridge freezer cost per hour in the UK?
About £0.01 per hour for a 150W model at 26.32p/kWh, allowing for the appliance drawing full power about 33% of the time.
How do I work out what my fridge freezer costs to run?
Divide the wattage by 1,000 to get kW, multiply by the hours used, then multiply by your unit rate in pence. Our calculator above does this for you.
How much does a fridge freezer cost to run per year?
A typical model using 1.2kWh a day costs about £115 a year at 26.32p/kWh.
Is it worth replacing an old fridge freezer?
If it is over 15 years old and using 2kWh a day, a new efficient model can save £60–£100 a year.
Does the standing charge affect appliance running costs?
No. The electricity standing charge is a fixed daily fee you pay whether or not the appliance is on, so it is excluded from these figures.
Sources and methodology
Energy prices come from the Ofgem price cap for Direct Debit customers (GB average). Installation costs are typical UK ranges from installer quotes and industry guidance, rounded. Savings use today's rates and do not predict future prices.