If you have ever wondered How Much Unit of Electricity Consumed by Refrigerator Per Day, the answer may surprise you. A refrigerator in any Indian house is always running 24 hours a day, keeping our milk fresh, vegetables crisp, and water cool.
But it is also an increasing factor in electricity bills- usually, between 1 and 2 units of electricity per day from a small single-door fridge and 3-4 units for a large double-door one. Let us understand the breakdown of the power consumption of your fridge.
How Much Unit of Electricity Consumed by Refrigerator Per Day
Most Indian modern refrigerators use roughly 1.37 kWh – 1.92 kWh of electricity per day, depending on their size, star rating, and application.
| Refrigerator Type | Wattage Range | Daily Usage (kWh) | Units Per Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Door (150–250L) | Between 100 and 250 watts | About 0.8 – 1.5 kWh | 1 – 1.5 units |
| Double Door (250–350L) | Between 300 and 800 watts | About 1.5 – 3 kWh | 1.5 – 3 units |
| Side-by-Side (500L+) | 500 – 800 watts | About 2 – 5 kWh | 2 – 5 units |
Quick formula: (Wattage × Hours Used Per Day) ÷ 1000 = Daily Kilowatt-hour (kWh) energy consumption
Example: A 250-watt refrigerator running 24 hours → (250 × 24) ÷ 1000 = 6 kWh monthly ≈ 180 kWh/year
Factors That Affect Your Refrigerator’s Power Usage
Even two refrigerators having the same size may have different electricity consumption depending upon:
- Star rating: The higher the BEE star rating, the less electricity is consumed.
- Age of the fridge: Older models can account for between 15% and 27% of the household’s total electricity consumption.
- Fridge Door Habits: Using the fridge cupboards too often means that the compressor has to work harder.
- Ambient Temperature: During the hot Indian summer, refrigerators have to work much longer to maintain the cooling.
Also Read: Are Frigidaire Refrigerators Good?
How to Reduce Refrigerator Electricity Consumption
According to my own experience (we replaced our old 15-year-old fridge last year), these tips have made a noticeable change in our electricity prices.
- Choose Energy-Efficient Models – Go for a refrigerator with at least a 4-star or 5-star rating.
- Put It in a Cool Place – At any rate, direct sunlight or gas stoves are not advisable.
- Keep It Filled Up to 70–80% – An empty refrigerator will lose cooling faster, and when overfull, airflow will be blocked.
- Check Door Seals – If they’re loose, then they consume more energy.
- Keep Your Fridge Defrosted-For non-frost-free models.
Also Read: Facing LG Refrigerator Light Not Working Issue? Try These Fixes
Yearly Cost to Run a Refrigerator in India
If your fridge uses 311 kWh/year on average and your local electricity tariff goes for ₹7 per unit:
Annual Cost = 311 × ₹7 = ₹2,177/year
That means that you are paying ₹180 per month — not bad, but you can pay less with the energy-saving methods.
Also Read: Top 10 Refrigerator Brands in India 2025 – Features & Price Guide
FAQs
How much watt is 1 unit?
In an electrical sense, 1 unit = 1 kilowatt-hour (kWh), which means 1,000 watts used for 1 hour.
What is the monthly bill of refrigerator?
A modern single-door type in India usually costs ₹150–₹250 per month to run, depending on its wattage, star rating, and the electricity rate of your locality.
How many kWh per day is normal?
Depending on how much electricity one uses for everyday, smaller refrigerators will take about 1-2 kWh per day, and bigger double-door or side-by-side fridges will take 2-5 kWh per day in most households.
How to calculate electricity bill?
To compute kWh, multiply your appliance’s wattage X hours used per day ÷ 1000, and then multiply that by your electricity rate per unit.
Is 1kW equal to 1 unit?
Yes, 1 kilowatt (kW) operating for 1 hour constitutes 1 unit of electricity consumption.
Also Read: Can Refrigerator Run on Inverter? Shocking Truths & Hidden Risks Revealed
Final Thoughts
Understanding How Much Unit of Electricity Consumed by Refrigerator Per Day, empowers you to cut down on electricity usage and save excess money. The refrigerator, being a vital home appliance, requires an understanding of its electricity consumption can greatly aid you in forecasting your monthly expenses.
A small model typically expects about 1 to 2 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per day, and large models 2-5 kWh per day. Instilling simple habits, such as selecting a high star rating, putting it in a cool place, and avoiding frequent door openings, will ensure a smooth-running fridge and keep the electricity bill low. A little knowledge in the present will lead to lots of savings in the future.
