100W baseline
Chest Freezer
Top-opening freezer offering efficient long-term food storage with minimal cold air loss.
- Annual electricity
- 400 kWh
- Monthly cost
- $6
- Annual cost
- $71
- Lifetime energy
- $1,059
Energy cost calculators/Freezer cost
Freezer electricity cost
Freezer Electricity Cost Calculator 2026
Compare chest, upright, and garage freezer running cost using JouleIO appliance data and EIA 2026-02 residential electricity rates. Most freezers are always-on loads, so small kWh differences compound every month.
National rate
17.65c/kWh
Lowest annual cost
$71
Always-on load
24/7
130W baseline
Upright Freezer
Vertical freezer with shelves for easy access and organization of frozen foods.
- Annual electricity
- 500 kWh
- Monthly cost
- $7
- Annual cost
- $88
- Lifetime energy
- $1,236
200W baseline
Garage Chest Freezer (Large)
Large chest freezer for garage use, ideal for bulk food storage and hunters.
- Annual electricity
- 600 kWh
- Monthly cost
- $9
- Annual cost
- $106
- Lifetime energy
- $1,589
Which freezer costs least to run?
Chest freezers usually cost less to run because cold air stays inside when the lid opens, the cabinet has fewer shelf gaps, and the compressor can cycle less often. Upright freezers trade some efficiency for easier access. Garage freezers can cost more when the surrounding air is hot or poorly ventilated.
| Freezer type | kWh/year | Annual cost | Best use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chest Freezer | 400 | $71 | Bulk food storage with lowest energy loss |
| Upright Freezer | 500 | $88 | Organized shelves and frequent access |
| Garage Chest Freezer (Large) | 600 | $106 | Large overflow storage in a garage or utility room |