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Ask the Energy Expert

The trusty garage fridge, a space-saving hero for storing sodas and leftovers, may come with hidden expenses.

This question comes up a lot, and I've got your answer. Plus, check out personalized saving tips to learn more.

Garage fridge energy consumption

Outdoor fridges consume 150 to 800 kilowatt-hours (kWh) annually, adding approximately $15 to $80 to your electricity bill. An indoor refrigerator costs less annually to power than one in a garage. The average kitchen refrigerator costs $84, while the one in the garage costs $95 a year to operate. Energy consumption varies but tends to increase with: 

  • Larger-sized refrigerators
  • Older appliances 
  • Fluctuating garage temperatures

 Top three ways to save

  1. Regular maintenance: Cleaning coils and ensuring airtight seals are your secret weapons for keeping your fridge energy efficient.
  2. Buy an energy-efficient refrigerator: Upgrading to an EnergyStar model helps reduce energy use.
  3. Use our free Energy Manager tool: See how your home uses energy, monitor it and discover areas where you can find savings.  

Bottom line

A garage fridge can add $15 to $80 to your bill. However, you can cut down on your energy use by keeping your fridge well-maintained, buying EnergyStar appliances, and following personalized tips from our free Energy Manager tool.


GET PERSONALIZED TIPS

Brad Goar

Meet Brad Goar

A seasoned Product Manager, Brad, has more than 15 years' expertise in energy efficiency. He oversees our Residential Conservation Services and Low-Income Weatherization programs which supports the completion of nearly 150,000 annual Home Energy Survey – one of the nation's largest utility-run energy survey programs.

Ask the Energy Expert

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