WattCost

Data through June 2026

Running cost · Refrigerators · ENERGY STAR certified

Whirlpool WRTX5421T

Running around the clock, the Whirlpool WRTX5421T uses a certified 398 kWh per year — about $73 at the U.S. average rate, or $6.08 a month, the equivalent of a steady 45-watt draw. Even among certified models it's on the thirsty end: 10% more electricity than the median top-freezer refrigerator, ranked 551 of 713. The same unit costs $52 a year in Nevada but $210 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 65" H × 33" W

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

$73/yr

$7.70 · cheapest certified refrigerators$148 · priciest
Per month
$6.08
Per day
20¢
Certified use
398 kWh/yr
Configuration
Top Freezer
Total capacity
21.3 cu ft
Defrost
Automatic
Ice maker
No
Through-door dispenser
No
42 kWh805 kWh
Where the Whirlpool WRTX5421T (▮) sits among all 4,371 certified refrigerators, by annual kWh

What it costs in every state

Whirlpool WRTX5421T: 398 kWh/yr × each state's average residential rate (EIA)
StateRate ¢/kWhThis model $/yrRelative cost
Alabama16.4¢$65
Alaska28.2¢$112
Arizona15.2¢$60
Arkansas14.1¢$56
California34.7¢$138
Colorado17.1¢$68
Connecticut24.3¢$97
Delaware19.3¢$77
District of Columbia24.4¢$97
Florida15.1¢$60
Georgia16.4¢$65
Hawaiipriciest52.7¢$210
Idaho14.4¢$57
Illinois19.9¢$79
Indiana17.5¢$70
Iowa15.9¢$63
Kansas15.7¢$63
Kentucky14.3¢$57
Louisiana13.5¢$54
Maine29.6¢$118
Maryland21.8¢$87
Massachusetts29.6¢$118
Michigan23.0¢$92
Minnesota17.5¢$70
Mississippi14.9¢$59
Missouri16.2¢$65
Montana15.1¢$60
Nebraska13.3¢$53
Nevadacheapest13.1¢$52
New Hampshire27.0¢$107
New Jersey24.9¢$99
New Mexico15.1¢$60
New York29.5¢$117
North Carolina14.7¢$59
North Dakota14.1¢$56
Ohio19.2¢$76
Oklahoma14.3¢$57
Oregon16.3¢$65
Pennsylvania21.7¢$86
Rhode Island29.2¢$116
South Carolina15.6¢$62
South Dakota15.4¢$61
Tennessee14.1¢$56
Texas15.9¢$63
Utah13.4¢$53
Vermont24.4¢$97
Virginia17.2¢$69
Washington14.9¢$59
West Virginia15.4¢$61
Wisconsin19.6¢$78
Wyoming15.2¢$61

Certified models closest in efficiency

top-freezer refrigerators within reach of 398 kWh/yr
ModelkWh/yr$/yr (US avg)
GE GPE12FGZmost efficient398$73
GE GPE12FSZmost efficient398$73
Whirlpool WRTX7421Tmost efficient398$73
Conserv MDRF376-1150397$73
FULGOR MILANO FM4FBM24SS-BS397$73
Whirlpool WRT541SZD*0most efficient399$73

Run your own numbers

Your rate, your numbers

Per day
20¢
Per month
$6.08
Per year
$73

398 kWh/yr × 18.3¢/kWh = $73/yr

Prefilled with this model's certified 398 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 WRTX5421T use?
ENERGY STAR certifies the Whirlpool WRTX5421T at 398 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 WRTX5421T cost to run per month?
About $6.08 a month at the U.S. average residential rate (18.3¢/kWh) — 20¢ a day, or $73 a year. Your state's rate moves this up or down; see the table above.
Is the Whirlpool WRTX5421T energy efficient?
It uses 10% 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 WRTX5421T 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 $210 in Hawaii (52.7¢/kWh).
How many watts does the Whirlpool WRTX5421T draw on average?
Spread over a year of continuous operation, 398 kWh works out to an average draw of about 45 watts — like leaving a 45-watt bulb on 24/7.

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