Appliances / Refrigerators / Whirlpool
Whirlpool WRFC3036R series
24.3 cu ft · Bottom Freezer refrigerator
Check the price at the store, then add $1,316 of electricity to get the true cost. We may earn a commission if you buy through these links; as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
- Price. Check what it costs at the store.
- Plus running cost. Add $1,316 of electricity over 12 years. That is the part the price tag hides.
- Compare. Pick your state below, then check the cheaper-to-run models of the same size.
About the Whirlpool WRFC3036R series
The Whirlpool WRFC3036R series is a 24.3 cu ft bottom freezer refrigerator certified by ENERGY STAR. Its official test figure is 603 kWh of electricity a year, which at the U.S. average price of 18.19¢ per kWh comes to $110 a year, or $1,316 over a typical 12-year life.
That is 9% less energy than the federal maximum for this type of fridge (660 kWh a year), a saving of about $10 a year compared with a model that only just meets the standard.
Among 1,422 bottom freezer models it ranks #925 for running cost. The cheapest model of this type would save $880 in electricity over 12 years, though it may differ in size and features.
If you want the same type and a similar size for less to run, the GE GBE21DGK series (no ice maker) uses 488 kWh a year and would save about $251 over 12 years.
Listed features: ice maker, counter depth.
Cost to run where you live
603 kWh a year (ENERGY STAR test figure) × 18.19¢ per kWh, the average residential price in the U.S. for Jan–Aug 2026 (EIA). Your bill depends on your utility and how you use it.
Cheaper to run, same type and size
Or see every large (23 to 27 cu ft) model ranked.
| GE GBE21DGK series (no ice maker) | 20.9 cu ft | $89/yr | saves $251 |
| GE GBE21DYK series (no ice maker) | 20.9 cu ft | $89/yr | saves $251 |
| Liebherr FDBHI36S | 20.7 cu ft | $89/yr | saves $251 |
| Liebherr FDE36S | 20.7 cu ft | $89/yr | saves $251 |
Specs
| Brand | Whirlpool |
| Model | WRFC3036R*** |
| Type | Bottom Freezer |
| Energy use | 603 kWh / year |
| Federal maximum for this type | 660 kWh / year |
| Size | 24.3 cu ft |
| Width | 36 in |
| Features | Ice maker, Counter depth |
| Height | 70 in |
| Defrost | Automatic |
| Built-in | No |
| Compact | No |
Specs and energy use from the ENERGY STAR certified products list (U.S. EPA). An asterisk in a model number stands for colour or finish codes. HouseholdLeak is not affiliated with ENERGY STAR or the EPA.
Questions people ask
How much does the Whirlpool WRFC3036R series cost to run?
About $110 a year at the U.S. average electricity price (18.19¢/kWh), based on its ENERGY STAR rating of 603 kWh a year. In a state with expensive power it can be much more; pick your state on this page to see your number.
How much will the Whirlpool WRFC3036R series cost in electricity over its life?
About $1,316 over 12 years, a typical life for a refrigerator. Add that to the price you pay to get the true cost to own.
Is the Whirlpool WRFC3036R series energy efficient?
Yes. It is ENERGY STAR certified and uses 9% less energy than the federal maximum for its type.
Is there a cheaper fridge to run of the same type and size?
Yes. The GE GBE21DGK series (no ice maker) uses 488 kWh a year, about $251 less in electricity over 12 years.
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