❄️ Freezer

How much electricity does a chest or upright freezer use?

Yearly electricity use of chest and upright freezers, new and old, with the running cost.

Typical use

220 kWh/year

Per month

$3.30 · £4.767

Per year · 220 kWh

$40 · £57

With normal use all year, electricity at $0.18/kWh and £0.26/kWh all-in.

A recent freezer uses 170–280 kWh a year. A chest freezer uses less than an upright of the same size: when you open it, the cold, heavier air stays inside.

If you have a half-empty second freezer in the garage, it’s worth asking whether you need it: it often costs more than the food it keeps.

Consumption compared

TypeUsagekWh/yearCost/year
Chest 200 litres, recent170 kWh/year170$31 · £44
Upright 200 litres, recent230 kWh/year230$41 · £60
Upright frost-free 250 litres280 kWh/year280$50 · £73
Freezer over 15 years old450 kWh/year450$81 · £117

Yearly cost with normal use all year.

Work out your cost

Per month
$3.30
Per year
$40
Energy per year
220 kWh

The price is a typical all-in figure for your country: replace it with yours (bill total ÷ kWh).

How to use less

  • Defrost when the ice is thicker than 3–4 mm: ice insulates and makes the compressor work harder.
  • Keep it full: frozen food holds the cold better than air.
  • Don’t put it in a room hotter than 32 °C in summer or colder than 10 °C in winter unless its climate class allows it.
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FAQ

How much electricity does a chest or upright freezer use?
On average about 220 kWh a year, from 100 to 550 kWh depending on model, energy class and age.
How much does it cost per year?
With normal use all year it uses about 220 kWh a year: about $40 · £57 at $0.18/kWh and £0.26/kWh.
How can I reduce it?
Defrost when the ice is thicker than 3–4 mm: ice insulates and makes the compressor work harder. Keep it full: frozen food holds the cold better than air.

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