Average Costs to Run a Walk-in Refrigerator and Freezer

Mar 20th 2012

To give operators a rough estimate of how much it will cost to run a walk-in cooler or freezer, the charts below will give an estimate on operating costs. There are some assumptions that are made when calculating these numbers. A change in any of these assumptions can alter the total prices.

We assume the the national average of $0.1189 per kilowatt hr. According to the Energy Information Administration, this is the average cost in the United States for commercial electricity.
The type of installation of the walk-in
Efficiency of the refrigeration system
Inside and outside temperature of the walk-in
Where the walk-in is located
The temperature and weight of the products entering the walk-in
How often the door is opened
The age of the walk-in
Cost of electricity

Most walk-in refrigeration systems are designed to run 80% of the time or between 16 and 18 hours a day.

For standard sized walk-ins, we have estimated the average kilowatt hours used to run the selected sized walk-ins.

Cooler Size	Avg. KW Hrs/Month	Freezer Size	Avg.KW Hrs/Month
6’ X 6’	660.48	6’ X 6’	2,279.49
6’ X 8’	660.48	6’ X 8’	2,279.49
8’ X 8’	1,113.86	8’ X 8’	2,279.49
8’ X 10’	1,113.86	8’ X 10’	3,475.91
8’ X 12’	1,113.86	8’ X 12’	3,475.91
10’ X 10’	1,410.51	10’ X 10’	3,475.91
10’ X 12’	1,410.51	10’ X 12’	4,067.82
Note: The above figures are estimates; your exact numbers may vary

Total operating costs based on the above assumptions.

Cooler Size	Avg. Cost per Month	Freezer Size	Avg. Cost per Month
6’ X 6’	$65.98	6’ X 6’	$227.72
6’ X 8’	$65.98	6’ X 8’	$227.72
8’ X 8’	$117.98	8’ X 8’	$227.72
8’ X 10’	$117.98	8’ X 10’	$347.24
8’ X 12’	$117.98	8’ X 12’	$347.24
10’ X 10’	$140.91	10’ X 10’	$347.24
10’ X 12’	$140.91	10’ X 12’	$406.38
Note: The above figures are estimates; your exact numbers may vary