WattCost

Data through June 2026

Running cost · Refrigerators · ENERGY STAR certified

Whirlpool WRT312CZJ

The Whirlpool WRT312CZJ never switches off, and its certified 394 kWh a year works out to about $72 on a U.S.-average electric bill — roughly $6.02 a month for an average continuous draw of 45 watts. Even among certified models it's on the thirsty end: 9% more electricity than the median top-freezer refrigerator, ranked 540 of 713. The same unit costs $52 a year in Nevada but $208 in Hawaii — electricity rates, not the appliance, make the difference. It also meets ENERGY STAR's stricter “Most Efficient” criteria.

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

Dimensions 62" H × 24" W

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

$72/yr

$7.70 · cheapest certified refrigerators$148 · priciest
Per month
$6.02
Per day
20¢
Certified use
394 kWh/yr
Configuration
Top Freezer
Total capacity
11.6 cu ft
Defrost
Automatic
Ice maker
Yes
Through-door dispenser
No
42 kWh805 kWh
Where the Whirlpool WRT312CZJ (▮) sits among all 4,371 certified refrigerators, by annual kWh

What it costs in every state

Whirlpool WRT312CZJ: 394 kWh/yr × each state's average residential rate (EIA)
StateRate ¢/kWhThis model $/yrRelative cost
Alabama16.4¢$65
Alaska28.2¢$111
Arizona15.2¢$60
Arkansas14.1¢$56
California34.7¢$137
Colorado17.1¢$67
Connecticut24.3¢$96
Delaware19.3¢$76
District of Columbia24.4¢$96
Florida15.1¢$59
Georgia16.4¢$64
Hawaiipriciest52.7¢$208
Idaho14.4¢$57
Illinois19.9¢$78
Indiana17.5¢$69
Iowa15.9¢$63
Kansas15.7¢$62
Kentucky14.3¢$56
Louisiana13.5¢$53
Maine29.6¢$117
Maryland21.8¢$86
Massachusetts29.6¢$117
Michigan23.0¢$91
Minnesota17.5¢$69
Mississippi14.9¢$59
Missouri16.2¢$64
Montana15.1¢$60
Nebraska13.3¢$52
Nevadacheapest13.1¢$52
New Hampshire27.0¢$106
New Jersey24.9¢$98
New Mexico15.1¢$59
New York29.5¢$116
North Carolina14.7¢$58
North Dakota14.1¢$56
Ohio19.2¢$76
Oklahoma14.3¢$56
Oregon16.3¢$64
Pennsylvania21.7¢$86
Rhode Island29.2¢$115
South Carolina15.6¢$61
South Dakota15.4¢$61
Tennessee14.1¢$55
Texas15.9¢$63
Utah13.4¢$53
Vermont24.4¢$96
Virginia17.2¢$68
Washington14.9¢$59
West Virginia15.4¢$61
Wisconsin19.6¢$77
Wyoming15.2¢$60

Certified models closest in efficiency

top-freezer refrigerators within reach of 394 kWh/yr
ModelkWh/yr$/yr (US avg)
GE GPE12FGKmost efficient394$72
GE GPE12FSKmost efficient394$72
Hisense RT210N3S*EHmost efficient394$72
Hisense RT21N3**Emost efficient394$72
Midea HD-774most efficient394$72
Mora RT210N3A*EMmost efficient394$72

Run your own numbers

Your rate, your numbers

Per day
20¢
Per month
$6.02
Per year
$72

394 kWh/yr × 18.3¢/kWh = $72/yr

Prefilled with this model's certified 394 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 WRT312CZJ use?
ENERGY STAR certifies the Whirlpool WRT312CZJ at 394 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 WRT312CZJ cost to run per month?
About $6.02 a month at the U.S. average residential rate (18.3¢/kWh) — 20¢ a day, or $72 a year. Your state's rate moves this up or down; see the table above.
Is the Whirlpool WRT312CZJ energy efficient?
It uses 9% more electricity than the median certified top-freezer refrigerator, which puts it among the least efficient certified models. It also meets ENERGY STAR's Most Efficient criteria.
What does the Whirlpool WRT312CZJ cost to run in the cheapest vs. priciest state?
At current residential rates it costs about $52 a year in Nevada (13.1¢/kWh) and $208 in Hawaii (52.7¢/kWh).
How many watts does the Whirlpool WRT312CZJ draw on average?
Spread over a year of continuous operation, 394 kWh works out to an average draw of about 45 watts — like leaving a 45-watt bulb on 24/7.

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