ApplianceRanked
Refrigerators/Danby Designer

Danby Designer DAR026A1*

Compact Refrigerator · 2.6

Summary

The Danby Designer DAR026A1* is a compact refrigerator with 2.6 capacity that uses 253 kWh per year, costing approximately $40.48annually to run at the US average electricity rate. Over 10 years, that's $404.80 in energy costs alone. It uses 11% less energy than the federal minimum standard. It meets ENERGY STAR certification but isn't among the top performers.

Ranked #1097 out of 4363 refrigerators by annual running cost, it costs $21.52 less per year than the category average of $62. At 17.7" wide, it fits in tight spaces where a full-size unit won't.

$40.48
per year to run
61
efficiency score /100
$404.80
10-year energy cost

How This Compares to Other Refrigerators

Ranked #1097 out of 4363 in the refrigerators category (by lowest annual cost).

Annual Cost
$40.48 vs avg $62
$21.52/yr cheaper
Energy Use
253 kWh vs avg 385
132 kWh less
Efficiency Score
61 vs avg 63
Below average

Energy Details

Annual Energy Use253 kWh/year
Federal Standard283 kWh/year
Better Than Standard11%
Annual Cost (at $0.16/kWh)$40.48
Monthly Cost (estimated)$3.37
Capacity2.6
Width17.7"
Height27"
BrandDanby Designer
TypeCompact Refrigerator
Date Certified2014-05-27

Running Cost Breakdown

Estimated electricity costs at different time horizons (based on $0.16/kWh US average rate):

Monthly
$3.37
1 Year
$40.48
5 Years
$202.40
10 Years
$404.80

Actual costs vary by location. States like Hawaii ($0.43/kWh) pay significantly more while Idaho ($0.11/kWh) pays less. Use our energy calculator to estimate costs at your local rate.

What This Means for You

The Danby Designer DAR026A1* is cheaper to run than the average refrigerator in its category. At $40.48/year, you'll save approximately $215.20 over 10 years compared to a typical model in this category.

Its efficiency score is moderate — solid but not top-tier. It balances upfront cost with reasonable energy savings.

Energy costs are just one factor in choosing a refrigerator. Consider the purchase price, features, reliability, and how the total cost of ownership (purchase price + energy costs over its expected lifespan) compares to alternatives.

Energy cost estimated at $0.16/kWh (US national average). Your actual cost depends on your local electricity rate and usage patterns. Data from ENERGY STAR certified product database.