
How Many Watts Does a Refrigerator Use? (and How to Measure Yours Exactly)
A fridge's running watts matter less than kWh per day. How to measure both with a plug-in meter — or a free one from the library — and price your own.
Guides in the Energy Monitoring category — explained in plain English.

A fridge's running watts matter less than kWh per day. How to measure both with a plug-in meter — or a free one from the library — and price your own.

Most smart plugs only switch on and off. How to tell which ones actually measure watts and kWh — and what they can safely meter, including window ACs.

The average US house uses about 30 kWh per day. See typical daily kWh by home size, what pushes usage up, and what your number means on the bill.

Use measurement and an assessment before buying an energy-saving device; choose products that fit the home, electrical load, and utility plan.

Measure standby power before buying a device, then use a suitably rated advanced power strip or smart plug where it can safely reduce idle use.