For a fridge or freezer, measured daily kWh or the model's annual energy-label figure is more useful than multiplying its compressor watts by 24 hours. Refrigeration cycles according to conditions. The appliance being plugged in all day does not mean its compressor draws full input continuously.
Convert an annual label into a budget
If a label states 365 kWh/year, a simple annual average is 1 kWh/day. Over 30 days that suggests 30 kWh, or R105 at illustrative R3.50/kWh. This is a label-based estimate under specified test conditions, not a measurement of your kitchen.
A different label showing 250 kWh/year gives about 0.685 kWh/day. Compare models with a suitable capacity and similar functions, and use actual annual figures rather than assuming every appliance within an efficiency class consumes the same energy.
The South African energy-label guide explains label information. Confirm the units and test basis on your own model's label: a daily, yearly or per-cycle figure needs the matching conversion.
Use measured daily electricity in the calculator
In the appliance calculator, choose measured kWh/day. Enter a representative daily average and the number of days to budget. Use your verified energy rate or a supported named tariff, including the rest of the household's monthly tally for block pricing.
For example, 1.2 kWh/day over 30 days is 36 kWh. At illustrative R3.50/kWh it costs R126 for energy. This does not include a separate service charge and is not a universal claim about fridge consumption.
Measure long enough to include cycling
Use an appropriately rated energy meter and a measurement period that captures normal cooling and other regular cycles. A few minutes of zero draw or a brief compressor run cannot establish daily consumption. Keep the appliance operating normally and follow manufacturer instructions.
Record room conditions, door use, loading, temperature settings and whether the test includes a separate freezer. Compare matched periods before blaming the meter or purchasing a replacement. A whole-house reading is not specific to refrigeration while other loads are running.
What changes the result?
Ventilation, seals, loading, door openings, ambient conditions and the selected temperature can change operation. Follow the appliance manual for clearances, settings and defrosting. An appliance that no longer maintains safe storage conditions needs appropriate service; electricity use alone is not a food-safety test.
Compare an older appliance with a candidate replacement using annual kWh and the complete purchase/installation cost. If a hypothetical replacement saves 150 kWh/year at R3.50/kWh, the energy saving is R525/year before tariff changes. That calculation alone does not justify a particular purchase price.
Reconcile with the household budget
Put refrigeration in a separate line of the household energy budget. Avoid adding an annual label estimate and a measured estimate for the same appliance. Use one chosen basis and record its date.
Keep fridge and freezer figures separate if measured separately. When assessing a month's prepaid units, also account for purchases, free allocations and other loads. The balance left on the meter is not the same as units consumed during that month.
Refrigeration questions
Can I use rated watts times 24?
Only as a continuous-input scenario, not an ordinary-use prediction. Use measured or label-based kWh for normal cycling.
Will every A-rated model cost the same?
No. Compare the actual energy figure, capacity, functions and test basis.
References: the label guide above and Eskom energy guidance. Reviewed 1 November 2026; rates and consumption examples are illustrative.