How Much Does It Cost to Run a Fridge-Freezer? (UK 2026)
Based on the active UK Ofgem price cap of 24.5p per kWh (1 January 2026 – 31 March 2026).
A typical 150W fridge-freezer costs £0.04 per hour of continuous use at current UK electricity rates (24.5p/kWh). For typical daily usage (24 hours plugged in with compressor running approx. 8 hours active cycle per day (33% duty cycle)), it costs approximately £0.29 per day or £107.02 per year.
Manufacturer specs: Liebherr & Samsung 350L combi fridge EU energy fiche (150W compressor cycling at ~35% duty cycle, 180-260 kWh/year)
How to Save Money Running a Fridge-Freezer
- Set the fridge compartment to 4°C–5°C and the freezer to -18°C; setting temperatures lower than this wastes electricity without improving preservation.
- Vacuum the condenser coils on the back or bottom twice a year; dust buildup restricts heat dispersal and increases power consumption by up to 25%.
- Check door seals with a sheet of paper; if the paper slides out easily when the door is shut, replace the gasket to prevent cold air leakage.
- Defrost frozen food inside the fridge compartment; the thawing food helps cool the fridge interior for free.
Alternative Appliances Compared
vs. Chest Freezer
View running cost →Chest freezers open from the top, preventing dense cold air from spilling out and using roughly 25% less power than upright freezer drawers.
vs. LED Bulb (Fridge Lighting)
View running cost →Replacing old incandescent interior fridge bulbs with cool-running LEDs saves power and prevents unwanted heat generation inside the cold cavity.
Fridge-Freezer Technical Power Profile
Source data: Liebherr & Samsung 350L combi fridge EU energy fiche (150W compressor cycling at ~35% duty cycle, 180-260 kWh/year)
Frequently Asked Questions: Fridge-Freezer Electricity Costs
How much electricity does a fridge-freezer use per year in the UK?â–¾
A modern A/B rated 300L fridge-freezer consumes around 160 to 220 kWh annually (£39 to £54/year at 24.5p/kWh). Older 10-year-old models often use 350 to 500 kWh (£86 to £122/year).
Does an empty fridge use more electricity than a full fridge?â–¾
Yes. Food and chilled items possess thermal mass, helping retain cold temperatures when the door is opened. If your fridge is sparse, fill empty spaces with jugs of water.
What is the optimal temperature setting for efficiency?â–¾
The UK Food Standards Agency recommends 3°C to 5°C for the fresh food compartment and -18°C for the freezer compartment.
How much does frost buildup increase freezer electricity consumption?â–¾
Just 5 millimetres (1/4 inch) of ice buildup acts as an insulating barrier on cooling elements, forcing the compressor to work harder and increasing power consumption by 20% to 30%.
Should I replace my 15-year-old fridge-freezer to save money?â–¾
Replacing a 15-year-old fridge with a modern C or B energy-rated model typically saves between £50 and £90 per year on electricity, paying for itself over its lifespan.