Running a fridge freezer adds an average of £68.96 a year to household energy bills, according to energy firm Utilita. This is based on the latest Ofgem price cap standard variable tariff.
Daily and yearly costs
Utilita's Power Price List calculates that it costs 19p per day to run a fridge freezer for a typical household on the current price cap, amounting to £68.96 over a year. In comparison, a standard fridge without a freezer costs £32.22 per year, while a standalone freezer costs £49.06 per year.
Savings with a combined unit
Running a fridge and a freezer separately would cost £81.28 per year on average. Therefore, a combined fridge freezer can save households £12.32 compared to two separate appliances.
Environmental impact
Utilita also highlights the environmental impact of these appliances by equating their energy use to car miles. Using a fridge freezer for a day equals 0.75 miles of driving, or 270 miles per year – roughly the same as driving from London to Newcastle. A fridge alone would create 126 miles of emissions, and a freezer 192.5 miles, totalling 318.5 miles. So a combined fridge freezer also saves emissions compared to separate units.
Utilita said: “Utilita has updated its Power Price List – the UK’s only live database that translates Ofgem’s price cap into the real‑world cost of powering everyday household electrical items. The update reflects Ofgem’s latest direct debit price cap, effective from July 1. The Power Price List breaks down the cost of running more than 100 common appliances and activities, from heating and cooking to laundry, lighting, entertainment and more.”
It adds: “The less energy we use, the better it is for the planet. That’s why the Power Price List also shows how the usage of common electrical items compares to the miles driven by a car – households may be shocked!”
