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How much does it cost to run a fridge-freezer?

Running a typical modern fridge-freezer costs about £52 a year — around 14p a day — at the current price-cap electricity rate (about 26p a unit, GB average, Jul–Sep 2026). It runs 24 hours a day, so an old or inefficient model can quietly cost roughly double.

Priced at the current price-cap electricity rate (about 26p a unit, GB average, Jul–Sep 2026; source: Ofgem). Your own rate varies by region and tariff — check your real rate free →

• The typical numbers. A modern A-rated fridge-freezer uses roughly 200 kWh a year, about £52 at 26p a unit — near 14p a day. A larger American-style or older model can use 350–400 kWh, so roughly £91–£104 a year.
• It never switches off. Unlike the oven or dryer, a fridge-freezer runs constantly, so it’s a steady part of your always-on base load rather than an occasional cost. What uses the most electricity →
• Age and efficiency are the difference. A tired 15-year-old fridge can use around twice the power of a new efficient one for the same job — which is why replacing a very old one sometimes pays for itself.

How to cut it

• Set sensible temperatures. Around 3–5°C for the fridge and −18°C for the freezer is enough; colder than that just wastes power.
• Keep the coils clear and the door sealed. Dust off the coils at the back, leave a gap for airflow, and check the door seal grips — a leaky seal makes it work harder.
• Defrost and don’t overfill. Ice build-up and a crammed fridge both hurt efficiency; a full but not packed freezer actually runs a little cheaper.
• Retire the garage spare. A second fridge or freezer running half-empty is a common hidden cost — switching it off when you don’t need it is a real saving.

That’s one appliance. To see what’s really driving your whole bill — your rates against the price cap, your direct debit against your real usage — check it free in about 30 seconds, with nothing saved.