WattCost

Data through April 2026

Running cost · Refrigerators · ENERGY STAR certified

ELEMENT ERT18CS

Running around the clock, the ELEMENT ERT18CS uses a certified 362 kWh per year — about $68 at the U.S. average rate, or $5.68 a month, the equivalent of a steady 41-watt draw. That's close to the middle of the certified pack — about 0% under the median top-freezer refrigerator, ranked 301 of 674. Where you live moves the bill from $45 a year in North Dakota to $169 in Hawaii. It also meets ENERGY STAR's stricter “Most Efficient” criteria.

Uses 10% less energy than the U.S. federal minimum

Dimensions 67" H × 33" W

Estimated annual running cost · U.S. average rate 18.8¢/kWh

$68/yr

$7.91 · cheapest certified refrigerators$152 · priciest
Per month
$5.68
Per day
19¢
Certified use
362 kWh/yr
Configuration
Top Freezer
Total capacity
18 cu ft
Defrost
Automatic
Ice maker
No
Through-door dispenser
No
42 kWh805 kWh
Where the ELEMENT ERT18CS (▮) sits among all 4,229 certified refrigerators, by annual kWh

What it costs in every state

ELEMENT ERT18CS: 362 kWh/yr × each state's average residential rate (EIA)
StateRate ¢/kWhThis model $/yrRelative cost
Alabama17.4¢$63
Alaska27.4¢$99
Arizona15.5¢$56
Arkansas14.2¢$51
California35.3¢$128
Colorado16.5¢$60
Connecticut32.2¢$117
Delaware18.8¢$68
District of Columbia25.4¢$92
Florida15.4¢$56
Georgia15.4¢$56
Hawaiipriciest46.6¢$169
Idaho12.7¢$46
Illinois20.5¢$74
Indiana17.9¢$65
Iowa13.9¢$50
Kansas15.8¢$57
Kentucky15.0¢$54
Louisiana14.4¢$52
Maine28.4¢$103
Maryland22.1¢$80
Massachusetts29.4¢$107
Michigan21.4¢$77
Minnesota16.4¢$59
Mississippi16.8¢$61
Missouri14.0¢$51
Montana13.9¢$50
Nebraska13.3¢$48
Nevada14.3¢$52
New Hampshire27.2¢$99
New Jersey23.5¢$85
New Mexico15.2¢$55
New York29.4¢$107
North Carolina16.3¢$59
North Dakotacheapest12.3¢$45
Ohio19.5¢$71
Oklahoma13.3¢$48
Oregon15.8¢$57
Pennsylvania21.5¢$78
Rhode Island28.3¢$102
South Carolina17.1¢$62
South Dakota14.5¢$53
Tennessee14.9¢$54
Texas17.0¢$62
Utah13.3¢$48
Vermont24.6¢$89
Virginia17.4¢$63
Washington14.4¢$52
West Virginia16.1¢$58
Wisconsin19.2¢$70
Wyoming14.7¢$53

Certified models closest in efficiency

top-freezer refrigerators within reach of 362 kWh/yr
ModelkWh/yr$/yr (US avg)
Bevoi BVIREF18most efficient362$68
Bevoi BVIREF18Wmost efficient362$68
Conservator GRMH183most efficient362$68
Conservator GRMH183Umost efficient362$68
Frigidaire FFHT1824Umost efficient362$68
GOLDEN BCD510most efficient362$68

Run your own numbers

Your rate, your numbers

Per day
19¢
Per month
$5.68
Per year
$68

362 kWh/yr × 18.8¢/kWh = $68/yr

Prefilled with this model's certified 362 kWh/yr — adjust if your usage differs from the DOE test basis. The certified annual kWh comes from the DOE test procedure, which measures continuous 24/7 operation at standardized temperatures — refrigerators never get a day off.

Questions, answered with the data

How much electricity does the ELEMENT ERT18CS use?
ENERGY STAR certifies the ELEMENT ERT18CS at 362 kWh per year. The certified annual kWh comes from the DOE test procedure, which measures continuous 24/7 operation at standardized temperatures — refrigerators never get a day off.
How much does the ELEMENT ERT18CS cost to run per month?
About $5.68 a month at the U.S. average residential rate (18.8¢/kWh) — 19¢ a day, or $68 a year. Your state's rate moves this up or down; see the table above.
Is the ELEMENT ERT18CS energy efficient?
It uses 0% less electricity than the median certified top-freezer refrigerator. It also meets ENERGY STAR's Most Efficient criteria.
What does the ELEMENT ERT18CS cost to run in the cheapest vs. priciest state?
At current residential rates it costs about $45 a year in North Dakota (12.3¢/kWh) and $169 in Hawaii (46.6¢/kWh).
How many watts does the ELEMENT ERT18CS draw on average?
Spread over a year of continuous operation, 362 kWh works out to an average draw of about 41 watts — like leaving a 41-watt bulb on 24/7.

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