How is the running cost calculated?

Watts ÷ 1,000 × the electricity rate gives cost per hour; the yearly figure uses running continuously (450 kWh/year).

Does a higher star rating cut the cost?

Yes — efficiency ratings reduce the draw or energy per use, which scales the cost directly; the low–high wattage band spans efficient to inefficient models.

Why does the state matter?

Each state's usage rate differs, so the same hour costs $0.04–$0.06 depending on the state.

How much does it cost to run a fridge (400–500 l frost-free)? (2026–27)

Name: Fridge (400–500 L frost-free) running costs Australia 2026–27
Creator: Reduction Revolution — fridge power consumption
License: https://reductionrevolution.com.au/blogs/how-to/fridge-power-consumption

At typical draw · official state tariffs

$0.04–$0.06 per hour at 150 W

Typical household use — running continuously (450 kWh/year) — runs $124–$189 a year depending on your state's tariff.

Wattage basis: Compressor-on draw 100–250 W; annual energy for a 400–500 L frost-free family fridge ~350–600 kWh/yr depending on age and star rating (efficient 5-star ~350).

Fridge running cost by state at typical draw (2026–27 reference tariffs)
State	Tariff c/kWh	Per hour	Typical year
New South Wales	33.1c	$0.05	$149
Victoria	27.5c	$0.04	$124
Queensland	28.0c	$0.04	$126
South Australia	41.9c	$0.06	$189
Western Australia	33.3c	$0.05	$150
Tasmania	28.0c	$0.04	$126
Australian Capital Territory	37.0c	$0.06	$166
Northern Territory	31.7c	$0.05	$143

Appliance running-cost calculator

NSW

State

Power draw (watts)

Fridge: 80–250 W typical range.

Hours per day

Days per year

Runs continuously; the compressor cycles at roughly one-third duty.

$0.05 per hour · $73/year at your settings

Per day (4 h): $0.20
Per month: $6.04
Per year (365 days): $72.57

Tariff: 33.1c/kWh — AER Default Market Offer 2026–27 (DMO 8) for the Ausgrid network, effective 1 July 2026. Wattage basis: Reduction Revolution — fridge power consumption. Full fridge costs in NSW →

Cutting the cost

Keep it out of direct sun and away from the oven, and leave a gap behind it so the coils can shed heat. A full fridge holds its temperature better than an empty one, but don't pack it so tightly that air can't move. Check the door seals close cleanly, and vacuum the rear coils now and then. A spare beer fridge in the garage is often the quietest money-drainer in the house.

Frequently asked questions

How is the running cost calculated?: Watts ÷ 1,000 × your electricity rate = cost per hour. A fridge drawing 150 W on a 33.1c/kWh tariff costs $0.05 an hour — the calculator above lets you change every input. For this appliance the yearly figure uses its measured energy per use rather than a constant draw.
Does a higher star rating cut the cost?: Yes — the star rating compresses the power draw or energy per use, which scales this page's figures directly. The low–high band in the table (80–250 W) roughly spans efficient to inefficient models.
Why does the state matter?: The appliance draws the same power everywhere — but each state's reference usage rate differs, so the same hour of running costs $0.04 in the cheapest state and $0.06 in the dearest. Pick your state above for exact figures.

Sources — figures current as at 17 July 2026.

Costs use each state's representative-zone reference usage rate, effective 1 July 2026. Runs continuously; the compressor cycles at roughly one-third duty.

How much does it cost to run a fridge (400–500 l frost-free)? (2026–27)

Appliance running-cost calculator

Cutting the cost

Frequently asked questions

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