Appliances / Refrigerators / Whirlpool
Whirlpool WRFC5036R series
23.4 cu ft · Bottom Freezer refrigerator
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- Price. Check what it costs at the store.
- Plus running cost. Add $1,469 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 WRFC5036R series
The Whirlpool WRFC5036R series is a 23.4 cu ft bottom freezer refrigerator certified by ENERGY STAR. Its official test figure is 673 kWh of electricity a year, which at the U.S. average price of 18.19¢ per kWh comes to $122 a year, or $1,469 over a typical 12-year life.
That is 9% less energy than the federal maximum for this type of fridge (738 kWh a year), a saving of about $12 a year compared with a model that only just meets the standard.
Among 1,422 bottom freezer models it ranks #1156 for running cost. The cheapest model of this type would save $1,032 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 Fisher & Paykel RF201A series uses 448 kWh a year and would save about $491 over 12 years.
Listed features: ice maker, door dispenser, counter depth.
Cost to run where you live
673 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.
| Fisher & Paykel RF201A series | 20.1 cu ft | $81/yr | saves $491 |
| Hamilton Beach HBF2067 | 20.3 cu ft | $84/yr | saves $463 |
| Hamilton Beach HBF2067/HZ7602 | 20.3 cu ft | $84/yr | saves $463 |
| Kenmore KKFDR36x20.3-SS | 20.3 cu ft | $84/yr | saves $463 |
Specs
| Brand | Whirlpool |
| Model | WRFC5036R*** |
| Type | Bottom Freezer |
| Energy use | 673 kWh / year |
| Federal maximum for this type | 738 kWh / year |
| Size | 23.4 cu ft |
| Width | 36 in |
| Features | Ice maker, Door dispenser, 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 WRFC5036R series cost to run?
About $122 a year at the U.S. average electricity price (18.19¢/kWh), based on its ENERGY STAR rating of 673 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 WRFC5036R series cost in electricity over its life?
About $1,469 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 WRFC5036R 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 Fisher & Paykel RF201A series uses 448 kWh a year, about $491 less in electricity over 12 years.
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