WattCost

Data through April 2026

Running cost · Refrigerators · ENERGY STAR certified

Whirlpool WRFC5036R

Running around the clock, the Whirlpool WRFC5036R uses a certified 673 kWh per year — about $127 at the U.S. average rate, or $10.56 a month, the equivalent of a steady 77-watt draw. It sits near the bottom of the certified table — using 20% more than the median bottom-freezer refrigerator (rank 1187 of 1458) — so the state you live in matters more than usual. Where you live moves the bill from $83 a year in North Dakota to $314 in Hawaii.

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

Dimensions 70" H × 36" W

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

$127/yr

$7.91 · cheapest certified refrigerators$152 · priciest
Per month
$10.56
Per day
35¢
Certified use
673 kWh/yr
Configuration
Bottom Freezer
Total capacity
23.4 cu ft
Defrost
Automatic
Ice maker
Yes
Through-door dispenser
Yes
42 kWh805 kWh
Where the Whirlpool WRFC5036R (▮) sits among all 4,229 certified refrigerators, by annual kWh

What it costs in every state

Whirlpool WRFC5036R: 673 kWh/yr × each state's average residential rate (EIA)
StateRate ¢/kWhThis model $/yrRelative cost
Alabama17.4¢$117
Alaska27.4¢$184
Arizona15.5¢$104
Arkansas14.2¢$95
California35.3¢$237
Colorado16.5¢$111
Connecticut32.2¢$217
Delaware18.8¢$126
District of Columbia25.4¢$171
Florida15.4¢$104
Georgia15.4¢$103
Hawaiipriciest46.6¢$314
Idaho12.7¢$85
Illinois20.5¢$138
Indiana17.9¢$120
Iowa13.9¢$93
Kansas15.8¢$106
Kentucky15.0¢$101
Louisiana14.4¢$97
Maine28.4¢$191
Maryland22.1¢$149
Massachusetts29.4¢$198
Michigan21.4¢$144
Minnesota16.4¢$110
Mississippi16.8¢$113
Missouri14.0¢$94
Montana13.9¢$94
Nebraska13.3¢$89
Nevada14.3¢$96
New Hampshire27.2¢$183
New Jersey23.5¢$158
New Mexico15.2¢$102
New York29.4¢$198
North Carolina16.3¢$109
North Dakotacheapest12.3¢$83
Ohio19.5¢$131
Oklahoma13.3¢$90
Oregon15.8¢$106
Pennsylvania21.5¢$144
Rhode Island28.3¢$190
South Carolina17.1¢$115
South Dakota14.5¢$98
Tennessee14.9¢$101
Texas17.0¢$114
Utah13.3¢$89
Vermont24.6¢$165
Virginia17.4¢$117
Washington14.4¢$97
West Virginia16.1¢$108
Wisconsin19.2¢$129
Wyoming14.7¢$99

Certified models closest in efficiency

bottom-freezer refrigerators within reach of 673 kWh/yr
ModelkWh/yr$/yr (US avg)
KitchenAid KRFC604F673$127
Whirlpool WRFC5236R673$127
Whirlpool WRFC7036R673$127
Whirlpool WRFC7436T673$127
Dacor DRF485300672$127
Dacor DRF487500672$127

Run your own numbers

Your rate, your numbers

Per day
35¢
Per month
$10.56
Per year
$127

673 kWh/yr × 18.8¢/kWh = $127/yr

Prefilled with this model's certified 673 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 WRFC5036R use?
ENERGY STAR certifies the Whirlpool WRFC5036R at 673 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 WRFC5036R cost to run per month?
About $10.56 a month at the U.S. average residential rate (18.8¢/kWh) — 35¢ a day, or $127 a year. Your state's rate moves this up or down; see the table above.
Is the Whirlpool WRFC5036R energy efficient?
It uses 20% more electricity than the median certified bottom-freezer refrigerator, which puts it among the least efficient certified models.
What does the Whirlpool WRFC5036R cost to run in the cheapest vs. priciest state?
At current residential rates it costs about $83 a year in North Dakota (12.3¢/kWh) and $314 in Hawaii (46.6¢/kWh).
How many watts does the Whirlpool WRFC5036R draw on average?
Spread over a year of continuous operation, 673 kWh works out to an average draw of about 77 watts — like leaving a 77-watt bulb on 24/7.

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