How Much Electricity Does a Freezer Use?

Estimate freezer electricity use and monthly costs by size, age, temperature, location, door openings, and local kWh rates.

WattBasis Editorial Team

9/7/20266 min read

The 30-Second Answer

An ENERGY STAR certified chest freezer uses about 215 kWh per year, while a certified upright freezer uses about 395 kWh per year. At an electricity rate of $0.20 per kWh, that equals approximately $3.58 to $6.58 per month. Your actual cost depends on the model, size, location, temperature setting and local electricity rate.

White chest freezer in a bright utility room for an electricity cost guide

How to Read Your Freezer Electricity Cost

A freezer does not draw its full rated wattage continuously. Its compressor switches on when the interior needs cooling and switches off after reaching the selected temperature.

Your actual electricity use therefore depends on the freezer’s size, age, design, temperature setting, location and how frequently the lid or door is opened.

For the most reliable estimate, look for the annual kWh figure on the yellow EnergyGuide label.

Annual cost = annual kWh × your electricity rate

For example, a freezer rated at 300 kWh per year would cost:

300 kWh × $0.20 per kWh = $60 per year

That works out to approximately $5 per month.

How Much Electricity Does a Freezer Use?

Electricity consumption varies significantly between models.

ENERGY STAR reports that a certified chest freezer uses approximately 215 kWh per year, while a certified upright freezer uses approximately 395 kWh per year. These are useful reference figures, but the EnergyGuide label on your specific model is more accurate.

At an electricity rate of $0.20 per kWh:

215 kWh per year costs approximately $43 per year
300 kWh per year costs approximately $60 per year
395 kWh per year costs approximately $79 per year
600 kWh per year costs approximately $120 per year

Your utility rate may be higher or lower, so use the price shown on your electricity bill.

Chest Freezer vs. Upright Freezer

Chest freezers are generally more energy-efficient.

Because the lid opens from the top, less cold air escapes when it is opened. Chest freezers also tend to have better insulation and fewer shelves or door compartments that allow warm air inside.

An upright freezer is easier to organize and requires less floor space, but it will usually consume more electricity than a similar chest model.

Choose based on both convenience and operating cost. A freezer that is much larger than you need may waste more energy regardless of its design.

What Makes a Freezer Use More Electricity?

Hot or Unheated Locations

A freezer located in a hot garage must work harder to release heat. Extremely cold conditions can also affect models that were not designed for garage use.

Before placing a freezer in a garage, check the manufacturer’s approved ambient temperature range. Look specifically for a garage-ready model if the room experiences large temperature changes.

Damaged Door Seals

A loose, cracked or dirty gasket allows warm air to enter, forcing the compressor to operate more frequently.

Close the door on a sheet of paper. If the paper slides out without resistance, inspect and clean the seal. Replace it if it no longer closes tightly.

Frost Buildup

A thick layer of frost reduces usable space and can make a manual-defrost freezer operate less efficiently.

ENERGY STAR recommends defrosting before the frost becomes more than one-quarter inch thick.

Frequent Door Opening

Every opening allows warmer, humid air into the freezer. Decide what you need before opening it and organize food so frequently used items are easy to find.

Poor Airflow

Leave a few inches between the freezer and nearby walls or cabinets unless the manufacturer specifies otherwise. Blocked ventilation makes it harder for the appliance to release heat.

Do not pack food so tightly that cold air cannot circulate inside.

An Incorrect Temperature Setting

The recommended freezer temperature is 0°F (-18°C). Setting it colder than necessary may increase electricity use without improving food safety.

Use an inexpensive appliance thermometer to check the real temperature instead of relying only on the control dial.

Seven Ways to Lower Your Freezer Cost

Set the temperature to 0°F (-18°C). Avoid unnecessarily colder settings.
Check the door gasket. Clean dirt from the seal and replace damaged sections.
Limit door-opening time. Organize food into clearly separated areas.
Defrost when necessary. Do not allow thick frost to accumulate in a manual-defrost freezer.
Provide ventilation. Follow the manufacturer’s clearance instructions around the appliance.
Keep it away from heat. Avoid placing the freezer beside an oven, dryer, water heater or direct sunlight.
Use the correct size. A half-empty oversized freezer may cost more to operate than a properly sized model.

Should You Replace an Old Freezer?

Replacement may make sense when an older freezer consumes significantly more electricity than a modern model or develops problems such as:

The compressor runs almost continuously
Heavy frost returns soon after defrosting
The gasket no longer seals correctly
The exterior becomes unusually hot
The freezer struggles to maintain 0°F
Electricity consumption rises without a change in usage

Use a plug-in electricity monitor for several days if the freezer uses a standard outlet. Extrapolate the measured kWh to a full year and compare it with the EnergyGuide label of a potential replacement.

Do not replace a working freezer based only on age. Compare the expected electricity savings with the purchase price first.

Is a Second Freezer Worth the Cost?

A second freezer can reduce food waste and make bulk purchases more convenient, but it creates a continuous operating cost.

Before adding one, consider:

How much usable storage you genuinely need
The model’s annual kWh consumption
Your local electricity price
Whether the installation area stays within the approved temperature range
Whether food savings will exceed the annual energy cost

A smaller efficient chest freezer may be more economical than keeping an old upright freezer running all year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a freezer use electricity all the time?

The freezer remains connected continuously, but the compressor normally cycles on and off. It may run longer during hot weather, after adding unfrozen food or after the door has been left open.

How much does a freezer cost per month?

Divide its annual operating cost by 12. A freezer using 300 kWh per year at $0.20 per kWh costs approximately $5 per month.

Does an empty freezer use more electricity?

An empty freezer loses cold air quickly when opened. However, it should not be packed so tightly that airflow is restricted. Organize the contents while leaving room for cold air to circulate.

What temperature should a freezer be?

The FDA and ENERGY STAR recommend 0°F (-18°C). Check it periodically with an appliance thermometer.

Can I keep a freezer in the garage?

Only if the garage temperature remains within the operating range specified by the manufacturer. A garage-ready model is the safer option for locations with very hot summers or cold winters.

Is a chest freezer cheaper to run?

Usually, yes. Chest freezers generally lose less cold air when opened and commonly use less electricity than comparable upright models.

Sources

ENERGY STAR — Freezers
https://www.energystar.gov/products/freezers

U.S. Food and Drug Administration — Are You Storing Food Safely?
https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/are-you-storing-food-safely

Federal Trade Commission — EnergyGuide Labeling
https://www.ftc.gov/business-guidance/resources/energyguide-labeling-faqs-appliance-manufacturers

WattBasis provides educational electricity-cost estimates. Actual consumption depends on the appliance, room conditions, usage and local electricity rate.