Fridge running cost in Australia (and the second fridge)

Fridges run 24/7, so small differences add up. See what a fridge costs to run in Australia, why the beer fridge in the garage stings, and star ratings.

By EnergySorted Editorial Team · Updated 27 July 2026 · 5 min read

The appliance that never turns off

A fridge is unusual among appliances because it runs every hour of every day, year in and year out. Even a modest hourly draw becomes a meaningful number when you multiply it by 8,760 hours a year, which is why a fridge quietly sits among the steadier costs on a power bill. It helps to know what a kWh actually costs before you turn those hours into dollars.

A modern, efficient family fridge-freezer typically uses somewhere around 350 to 550 kWh a year. At 35c/kWh that is roughly $120 to $190 a year just to keep it running. An older or larger unit can use considerably more, and because it never switches off, that difference compounds every single day.

The second beer fridge in the garage

The classic Australian energy leak is the second fridge: the old family fridge demoted to the garage to keep drinks cold. It is usually the least efficient appliance in the house, often years or decades old, running in a hot, uninsulated space where it has to work even harder, and frequently half empty.

That combination makes the beer fridge one of the worst-value loads in many homes. An old second fridge can easily cost $150 or more a year to run, often to keep a few drinks cold that a smaller, occasional-use approach would handle for a fraction of the cost. Running it only when you actually need it, or retiring it altogether, is one of the easiest savings available.

Star ratings and placement

Every fridge sold in Australia carries an energy rating label with a star rating and an estimated annual energy use in kilowatt-hours. More stars means less energy for the same size, and the kWh figure lets you compare running costs directly. Multiply it by your rate to get the yearly dollar cost. When buying, resist sizing up beyond what you need, because a bigger fridge uses more energy even at the same star rating.

Where and how you run the fridge matters too. A fridge crammed against a wall or sitting in a hot laundry or garage has to work harder to shed heat, pushing up its running cost. Giving it room to breathe, keeping the door seals clean and intact, and not setting it colder than needed all trim the cost of an appliance that runs constantly.

How to cut fridge running costs

Retire or unplug the second garage fridge unless you genuinely need it running year round.
When replacing a fridge, compare the kWh figure on the energy label and buy the right size, not the biggest.
Keep the fridge out of hot spots and leave a gap around it so it can shed heat efficiently.
Check and clean the door seals. A worn seal lets cold air escape and the compressor run more.
Set the fridge around 3-4°C and the freezer around -18°C rather than colder than needed.
Keep the fridge reasonably full but not packed, so air can still circulate.

Where EnergySorted fits

A fridge is a fixed, round-the-clock load, which makes it a good reminder that your baseline power cost is set by your rate as much as your appliances. EnergySorted compares your real usage across every plan without retailer commissions, so the always-on part of your bill is charged at a fair rate rather than an inflated one.

The Bill Health Score tracks whether your plan stays competitive over time, so the steady loads that never switch off (fridges, freezers and standby power among them) are not quietly costing more than they should on a plan you have outgrown.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to run a fridge in Australia?

A modern efficient family fridge-freezer uses roughly 350 to 550 kWh a year, or about $120 to $190 annually at 35c/kWh. Older or larger units use more, and because a fridge never switches off, that difference adds up every day.

Why is my second garage fridge so expensive to run?

Second fridges are usually old and inefficient, often run half empty, and sit in a hot garage where they work harder to stay cold. That combination can easily cost $150 or more a year, making it one of the worst-value loads in many homes.

Do fridge star ratings really matter?

Yes. More stars means less energy for the same size, and the kilowatt-hour figure on the energy label lets you compare running costs directly. Just multiply it by your rate. Over a fridge's long life, a more efficient model can save a worthwhile amount.

What temperature should I set my fridge and freezer?

Around 3-4°C for the fridge and -18°C for the freezer is the efficient range. Setting them colder than that wastes energy without keeping food meaningfully safer.

Can my energy plan affect what my fridge costs?

Yes. A fridge runs constantly, so it is charged at whatever rate you pay around the clock. If you are on an overpriced plan, every hour of that always-on load costs more than it should. Comparing your real usage across available plans shows whether your baseline rate is fair.

How can I measure my own fridge's running cost?

A cheap plug-in power meter sits between the fridge and the wall and reads the kWh it uses over a day or a week. Multiply the daily figure by 365 and then by your usage rate for the yearly cost. If you would rather not buy a meter, the estimated annual kWh on the energy rating label is a good starting point.

Should I unplug my second fridge?

If it only holds a few drinks and runs year round in a hot garage, almost certainly yes. An old second fridge can cost $150 or more a year, so switching it on only for parties or the festive season, or retiring it altogether, is one of the easiest ways to cut your power bill.

Does a full or empty fridge use more power?

A reasonably full fridge holds its cold better, because the contents act as thermal mass and the compressor runs less after the door is opened. A near-empty fridge cools a lot of air that rushes out every time you open it. That said, packing it so tightly that air cannot circulate makes it work harder, so aim for comfortably full, not jammed.

How long do fridges last, and when is it worth replacing one?

Most fridges run for 10 to 15 years, and efficiency has improved a lot over that time. If you are running a fridge that is 15 or more years old, the annual energy it wastes can be enough that a new efficient model pays back a meaningful part of its cost over its life. Compare the kWh figure on the label before you buy.

Does a fridge use more electricity in summer?

Yes, a little. A hotter kitchen or a fridge sitting in a warm spot has to work harder to shed heat, so the compressor runs more in summer. Keeping the fridge out of direct sun and hot corners, and leaving a gap around it to breathe, keeps that seasonal rise in check.

General information only, current at the time of writing. Not financial advice. Rebate schemes and rules change; always confirm details with your retailer or state government energy site.