WattCost

Data through June 2026

Running cost · Refrigerators · ENERGY STAR certified

Whirlpool WH46**E

Running around the clock, the Whirlpool WH46**E uses a certified 266 kWh per year — about $49 at the U.S. average rate, or $4.07 a month, the equivalent of a steady 30-watt draw. Efficiency-wise it's unremarkable in a good way: within 8% of the median certified compact refrigerator (rank 1058 of 1645). The same unit costs $35 a year in Nevada but $140 in Hawaii — electricity rates, not the appliance, make the difference.

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

Dimensions 21.7" H × 23.8" W

Estimated annual running cost · U.S. average rate 18.3¢/kWh

$49/yr

$7.70 · cheapest certified refrigerators$148 · priciest
Per month
$4.07
Per day
13¢
Certified use
266 kWh/yr
Configuration
Compact Refrigerator
Total capacity
4.6 cu ft
Defrost
Manual
Ice maker
No
Through-door dispenser
No
42 kWh805 kWh
Where the Whirlpool WH46**E (▮) sits among all 4,371 certified refrigerators, by annual kWh

What it costs in every state

Whirlpool WH46**E: 266 kWh/yr × each state's average residential rate (EIA)
StateRate ¢/kWhThis model $/yrRelative cost
Alabama16.4¢$44
Alaska28.2¢$75
Arizona15.2¢$40
Arkansas14.1¢$38
California34.7¢$92
Colorado17.1¢$46
Connecticut24.3¢$65
Delaware19.3¢$51
District of Columbia24.4¢$65
Florida15.1¢$40
Georgia16.4¢$44
Hawaiipriciest52.7¢$140
Idaho14.4¢$38
Illinois19.9¢$53
Indiana17.5¢$47
Iowa15.9¢$42
Kansas15.7¢$42
Kentucky14.3¢$38
Louisiana13.5¢$36
Maine29.6¢$79
Maryland21.8¢$58
Massachusetts29.6¢$79
Michigan23.0¢$61
Minnesota17.5¢$47
Mississippi14.9¢$40
Missouri16.2¢$43
Montana15.1¢$40
Nebraska13.3¢$35
Nevadacheapest13.1¢$35
New Hampshire27.0¢$72
New Jersey24.9¢$66
New Mexico15.1¢$40
New York29.5¢$78
North Carolina14.7¢$39
North Dakota14.1¢$38
Ohio19.2¢$51
Oklahoma14.3¢$38
Oregon16.3¢$43
Pennsylvania21.7¢$58
Rhode Island29.2¢$78
South Carolina15.6¢$41
South Dakota15.4¢$41
Tennessee14.1¢$37
Texas15.9¢$42
Utah13.4¢$36
Vermont24.4¢$65
Virginia17.2¢$46
Washington14.9¢$40
West Virginia15.4¢$41
Wisconsin19.6¢$52
Wyoming15.2¢$41

Certified models closest in efficiency

compact refrigerators within reach of 266 kWh/yr
ModelkWh/yr$/yr (US avg)
Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet HK24RS4E266$49
Perlick HC24RB4E266$49
Perlick HP24RS4E266$49
Avanti RMX45B3S265$49
Danby DCR045B1265$49
Danby DCR045B1BSLDB265$49

Run your own numbers

Your rate, your numbers

Per day
13¢
Per month
$4.07
Per year
$49

266 kWh/yr × 18.3¢/kWh = $49/yr

Prefilled with this model's certified 266 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 Whirlpool WH46**E use?
ENERGY STAR certifies the Whirlpool WH46**E at 266 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 Whirlpool WH46**E cost to run per month?
About $4.07 a month at the U.S. average residential rate (18.3¢/kWh) — 13¢ a day, or $49 a year. Your state's rate moves this up or down; see the table above.
Is the Whirlpool WH46**E energy efficient?
It uses 8% more electricity than the median certified compact refrigerator.
What does the Whirlpool WH46**E cost to run in the cheapest vs. priciest state?
At current residential rates it costs about $35 a year in Nevada (13.1¢/kWh) and $140 in Hawaii (52.7¢/kWh).
How many watts does the Whirlpool WH46**E draw on average?
Spread over a year of continuous operation, 266 kWh works out to an average draw of about 30 watts — like leaving a 30-watt bulb on 24/7.

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