The cost to run a mini-fridge per year depends on several factors, including the energy efficiency of the fridge, the electricity rate in your area, and how often you open and close the fridge door.
To estimate the annual cost, you'll need to know the wattage rating of the mini-fridge and the average electricity rate in kilowatt-hours (kWh) charged by your utility company. You can usually find the wattage rating on a label inside the fridge or in the user manual.
Here's the formula to calculate the annual cost:
Annual Cost (in dollars) = (Wattage × Hours of Use per day × 365 days) ÷ 1000 (to convert watt-hours to kilowatt-hours) × Electricity Rate (per kWh)
Let's assume your mini-fridge has a wattage rating of 100 watts, and the average electricity rate in your area is $0.12 per kWh. If you keep the fridge running 24 hours a day, the calculation would be:
Annual Cost = (100 watts × 24 hours × 365 days) ÷ 1000 × $0.12/kWh Annual Cost = 876 kWh × $0.12/kWh Annual Cost = $105.12
Please note that most mini-fridges are not running 24/7. If you want a more accurate estimate, you can measure how many hours per day the fridge is actually running and adjust the formula accordingly.
Also, newer mini-fridges are generally more energy-efficient, which can help reduce the annual operating cost. If you're considering purchasing a new mini-fridge, look for models with the ENERGY STAR label, as they are designed to meet energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and can save you money on energy bills over time.