How to Use the Refrigerator Replacement Savings Calculator
A refrigerator runs 24/7, so as it ages its electricity draw quietly creeps up. This calculator takes your current fridge's age and a new fridge's price, then estimates monthly savings, how long it takes to pay back the purchase, and the net gain over 5 years.
Fridges past the 10-year mark typically lose compressor efficiency and leak more cold air through worn door seals, so their power draw runs noticeably higher than a new model. The older the fridge, the larger the monthly savings and the shorter the payback period.
The calculation uses average consumption estimates by age bracket and the U.S. average residential rate of $0.17/kWh. Actual savings vary by model, kitchen environment, and how often the door is opened.
Frequently Asked Questions
Older fridges tend to draw more power, so replacement savings grow with age, but you still need to weigh the new unit's price against the payback period.
They're averages by age bracket. Actual consumption varies by model and habits, so treat this as a reference figure.