How Much Does a Fridge Cost to Run in Australia? Energy Guide 2025
Your fridge is on 24 hours a day, 365 days a year — making it one of the biggest contributors to your electricity bill. Here's exactly how to work out what your fridge costs to run, and how to choose a more energy-efficient model.
How to Calculate Fridge Running Costs
The formula is straightforward:
Annual cost = Annual kWh consumption × electricity rate per kWh
In Australia, the average electricity rate is around 30–40 cents per kWh depending on your state and energy plan (some plans are higher).
The average Australian fridge uses between 300–600 kWh per year, which works out to:
- 300 kWh/year × $0.30 = $90/year (efficient fridge)
- 500 kWh/year × $0.30 = $150/year (average fridge)
- 700 kWh/year × $0.30 = $210/year (older or inefficient fridge)
Reading the Energy Star Label
Every new fridge in Australia displays an Energy Rating Label showing:
- Star rating (1–6 stars; more stars = more efficient)
- Annual energy consumption in kWh (based on a standard usage test)
When comparing two fridges, look at the annual kWh figure directly — it's the most useful number. A fridge with 6 stars and 350 kWh/year is better than a 5-star fridge using 500 kWh/year.
Fridge Type vs Running Cost
- Top mount fridge/freezer: Most energy efficient style overall
- Bottom mount fridge/freezer: Slightly less efficient but very popular
- French door fridge: Large capacity, higher consumption; look for a good star rating
- Side-by-side fridge: Often the least efficient due to two separate compressors
- Bar fridge: Small capacity, but older models can use surprisingly high energy
Factors That Increase Running Costs
- Age: A fridge over 10 years old may use 2–3x more energy than a modern equivalent
- Poor door seals: If the door seal lets in warm air, the compressor runs constantly
- Location: Placing a fridge next to an oven or in direct sunlight increases energy use significantly
- Temperature setting: Fridge should be 3–5°C, freezer at -18°C
- How full it is: A mostly empty fridge struggles to stay cold; a fuller fridge retains temperature better
Is It Worth Replacing an Old Fridge?
An old, inefficient fridge costing $200/year to run versus a modern efficient model costing $100/year means you save $100 per year by upgrading. If a certified refurbished replacement costs $500, it pays for itself in savings within 5 years — and lasts much longer than that.
At Oceania Appliances, our certified refurbished fridges are tested for performance and energy efficiency. Browse our range at oceaniaappliances.com.au or call 02 9627 7355. We deliver free across Sydney, the Central Coast, Illawarra and Blue Mountains.