How Many Watts Does a Freezer Use?
A standalone freezer uses between 30 and 200 watts while the compressor is running, with most residential chest freezers averaging 80-100 watts and upright freezers using 100-150 watts during active cooling cycles. However, freezers don't run continuously—the compressor cycles on and off based on temperature, resulting in an average power draw of 50-120 watts when averaged over 24 hours, depending on size, efficiency rating, and ambient temperature.
Understanding freezer power consumption helps calculate monthly operating costs ($3-10 typically), determine if your circuit can handle additional appliances, size backup generators for food preservation during outages, and make informed decisions between chest versus upright models. Modern Energy Star freezers use 10-30% less electricity than standard models, saving $10-25 annually over a 15-20 year lifespan.
Quick Answer
Chest Freezer (5-7 cu ft): 50-80 W average (80-120 W when running)
Chest Freezer (10-15 cu ft): 70-100 W average (100-150 W when running)
Upright Freezer (10-15 cu ft): 90-130 W average (120-180 W when running)
Upright Freezer (20-22 cu ft): 110-150 W average (150-200 W when running)
Duty Cycle: 30-50% (compressor runs 7-12 hours daily)
Annual Cost: $40-$120 depending on size and efficiency
Starting Surge: 600-1,200 W for 1-2 seconds (compressor startup)
❄️ Freezer Cost Calculator
Your Freezer Costs:
Freezer Power Consumption by Type
| Freezer Type | Running Watts | Average Watts | Annual kWh | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chest 5-7 cu ft | 80-120 W | 50-80 W | 438-700 kWh | $70-$112 |
| Chest 10-15 cu ft | 100-150 W | 70-100 W | 613-876 kWh | $98-$140 |
| Upright 10-15 cu ft | 120-180 W | 90-130 W | 788-1,139 kWh | $126-$182 |
| Upright 20+ cu ft | 150-200 W | 110-150 W | 964-1,314 kWh | $154-$210 |
Chest vs Upright Freezer Efficiency
Chest freezers are 25-40% more energy-efficient than upright models of the same capacity due to their design advantages.
Why Chest Freezers Use Less Power:
- Cold Air Stays In: Cold air sinks—opening a chest lid loses less cold air than opening upright door
- Better Insulation: Thicker walls and lid seal more effectively
- Less Door Opening: More effort to open chest = less frequent access
- Minimal Defrost Features: Manual defrost = no energy-hungry heating elements
10 cu ft Comparison:
- Chest: 70-85W average = $98-$119/year
- Upright: 90-110W average = $126-$154/year
- Annual Savings: $28-$35 with chest freezer
Energy Star Freezers
Energy Star certified freezers use at least 10% less energy than federal standards require.
| Size | Standard Model | Energy Star | Savings/Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 cu ft Chest | $84/year | $70/year | $14 |
| 15 cu ft Chest | $126/year | $105/year | $21 |
| 15 cu ft Upright | $168/year | $140/year | $28 |
Generator Requirements
Freezers have high starting surge (2-3× running watts) due to compressor startup.
| Freezer Size | Running W | Starting W | Min Generator |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small Chest | 80 W | 400-600 W | 1,000 W |
| Medium Chest | 120 W | 600-800 W | 1,500 W |
| Upright | 150 W | 800-1,200 W | 2,000 W |
8 Ways to Reduce Freezer Energy Costs
- Keep 75% Full: Mass retains cold, reducing compressor runtime 15-25%
- Set to 0°F: Lower temperatures waste energy without food safety benefit
- Defrost Manually: 1/4" ice buildup increases energy use 25-40%
- Check Door Seal: Dollar bill test—should resist pull when closed
- Allow Air Circulation: 2" clearance around unit improves efficiency 10%
- Clean Condenser Coils: Annually, saves 10-15%
- Minimize Door Opening: Each opening adds 5-10W for 30 minutes
- Garage Placement: Avoid extreme temps—freezers work harder in 90°F+ heat
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to run a freezer per month?
$3-12 monthly depending on size and efficiency. A typical 10 cu ft chest freezer costs $7-10/month, while a 20 cu ft upright costs $11-15/month at $0.16/kWh.
Is a chest or upright freezer cheaper to run?
Chest freezers are 25-40% cheaper. A 15 cu ft chest costs $98-$119/year vs $126-$154/year for equivalent upright—saving $28-$35 annually.
Can a freezer run on a 15-amp circuit?
Yes, all residential freezers work on 15-amp circuits. They draw 1-2 amps running, 5-10 amps briefly during startup—well within 15A capacity.
Conclusion
Freezers consume 50-150 watts on average (accounting for compressor cycling), costing $40-$120 annually to operate. Chest freezers are 25-40% more efficient than uprights due to superior cold retention when opened. Energy Star models save $14-28 annually over standard freezers, paying back their premium in 2-4 years.
Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), Department of Energy (DOE), Energy Star Program. Electricity rates based on January 2026 national average of $0.16/kWh.