A 20-year-old refrigerator could use 1,700 kWh of electricity every year, compared with about 450 kWh for a similarly sized new ENERGY STAR model. At an electrical cost of 12 cents per kWh, that represents a savings of $150 per year and a potential payback of about 7-9 years.
A good refrigerator can last for years, but at some point all refrigerators begin to break down. Many factors go into deciding whether to repair or replace. Most refrigerators can last 10 to 20 years. Consider repair if it is less than 8 years old. If the refrigerator is more than 15 years old, consider replacing it.
How much are you paying to keep your refrigerator running? In most cases, refrigerators manufactured before 1993 cost over $65 more per year to operate than new ENERGY STAR qualified models. Refrigerators manufactured before 1980 can cost about $200 more per year.
On average, an old refrigerator uses about 35% more energy than a model that has earned the ENERGY STAR label. If second refrigerator is truly needed, purchasing a larger refrigerator for the extra room will save money and energy over the long term.. Be certain to properly recycle the old refrigerator.
By way of example, if you have a fridge with a top freezer from the 1980s with a capacity of 19.0-21.4 cubic feet, it's likely to use around 2,000 kWh per year. If you pay 10¢ for electricity per kWh, that means the aging refrigerator is costing you about 55¢ per day, $16.67 per month, and $200 per year.
A 20-year-old refrigerator could use 1,700 kWh of electricity every year, compared with about 450 kWh for a similarly sized new ENERGY STAR model. At an electrical cost of 12 cents per kWh, that represents a savings of $150 per year and a potential payback of about 7-9 years.
According to the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy, the average “second refrigerator” is likely between 15 to 25 years old and uses about 750-1000 kilowatt-hours every year which amounts to between $97 to $130 on your electric bill.
While your old refrigerator may still look good and work well, if it is more than 15 years old, it's more than likely using a significant amount of energy -- in fact, more than twice the energy of a new ENERGY STAR certified model.
The national average price of electricity hovered around $0.14 per kWh (it shot up to $0.16 in late 2022) and the average home's total consumption is 10,632 kWh a year, which totals $1,452.12 yearly. So, in other words, your fridge accounts for a bit more than 10% of the average home's total electric bill.
Consider replacing your old fridge and recycling your old second refrigerator. Refrigerators over 15 years old could be costing you more than $80 per year to run.
The average life of a refrigerator lasts around 10-20 years, depending on the type and quality. Built-in refrigerators can last up to 20 years, while standard models usually last about 10-15 years. Side-by-side refrigerator lifespans typically last around 10 years, and bottom-freezer models can last up to 13 years.
If you have electric heat, heating your home uses the most energy. This can account for more than 30% of your electricity consumption. And if you have air conditioning, this number rises even higher. All told, your efforts to stay comfortable can use between 40% and 50% of the electricity in your home.
If you're using a machine that is 10-12 years old, then it is time to buy a new machine. Modern washing machines use almost half the energy the old machines used.
If you suspect one of your appliances is using excessive amounts of electricity, find out for sure with a wattage tester, such as the MECHEER power meter. Simply plug your appliance into the tester, plug the tester into the outlet, and then run the appliance as usual for 24 hours.
Compressor Issues
The compressor is like the heart of your fridge. If it breaks, it's one of the most expensive parts to replace. Fixing a compressor can cost anywhere from $200 to $650.
Our Top Pick: LG produces excellent refrigerators that perform well in our tests and receive high satisfaction ratings from consumers, including our survey participants. The Smart French Door Refrigerator with Dual Ice Maker stands out for its simple, user-friendly design and customizable features.
What costs the most on your electric bill? Heating and cooling are by far the greatest energy users in the home, making up around 40% of your electric bill. Other big users are washers, dryers, ovens, and stoves. Electronic devices like laptops and TVs are usually pretty cheap to run, but of course, it can all add up.
Old Wiring in Your House Can Mean Trouble
Arc faults in poorly maintained older homes can cause a drastic increase in electricity use. If your house is more than a decade old, it's a good idea to have a licensed electrician conduct a complete inspection of your system.
Factors affecting energy consumption
Age: Older models may use more electricity than newer, more energy efficient models. Location: The temperature outside of the refrigerator impacts electricity usage as well. The warmer it is outside, the more energy is needed to keep the fridge and its contents cool.
Which refrigerator brand is most reliable? All three of the appliance experts we spoke to for this roundup said Whirlpool and LG were the most reliable refrigerator brands due to their durability, reliability and ease of repairs. Samsung and GE were also mentioned by our experts as high-quality fridges.
If it's more than fifteen years old, it may not be worth repairing because the cost of parts and labor may be more than that of a new fridge. However, if your fridge is under the fifteen-year mark, it's almost always worth the cost of repair.
Older Appliances Were Designed to Last
The parts were simple and easy to fix, so people could keep their appliances running for much longer than they can today. Unlike modern appliances, which have complex electronics and computerized components that can be expensive to repair or replace.
Heating and cooling: 45-50%
The largest electricity consumer in the average household is your heating and cooling appliance. By a long shot. Central air conditioners and heaters use tons of energy in order to keep your home set to the right temperature.
The lifespan of a typical fridge ranges from 10-15 years, and if you are still within the first half of this range, you should have plenty of time before needing to replace it. If it is on the upper end of that range, it's likely on its last legs.
Refrigerator. Your refrigerator is one of the biggest consumers of electricity in your home because runs at almost all times of the day. If there is a problem with your fridge's ability to cool efficiently, it will draw more power to compensate for it.