Understanding the true running costs of a refrigerated shipping container is essential before you hire or buy. While the purchase price is important, the real cost of ownership or hire is shaped by electricity usage, maintenance requirements, and lifespan.
For UK businesses using reefers as static cold storage, these costs are predictable when understood properly and expensive when ignored. This guide breaks down exactly what you need to know so you can make informed decisions and avoid unnecessary expense.
Quick Answer: What Are the Main Running Costs?
A refrigerated container’s ongoing costs fall into three areas:
- Electricity consumption
- Maintenance and servicing
- Long-term lifespan and depreciation
When managed correctly, reefers remain one of the most cost-effective cold storage solutions available in the UK.
Electricity Costs for Refrigerated Containers (UK)
How Much Power Does a Reefer Use?
A typical 20ft or 40ft refrigerated container used for static storage in the UK will consume around 3 to 7 kWh per hour, depending on conditions.
Electricity usage varies based on:
- Internal temperature setting
- Ambient UK weather
- Frequency of door openings
- Insulation condition
- Age and efficiency of the refrigeration unit
Over a full day, this usually equates to 70 to 170 kWh per day.
UK Electricity Cost Example
Using an average UK commercial electricity rate:
- 70 kWh per day ≈ £18 to £25 per day
- 170 kWh per day ≈ £45 to £60 per day
This means a reefer can cost £550 to £1,800 per month to run depending on usage and control. – More information on reefer container running costs.
What Increases Electricity Consumption?
Common causes of high power bills include:
- Poor door seals
- Blocked airflow under the T-bar floor
- Incorrect thermostat settings
- Loading warm goods instead of pre-cooled stock
- Frequent door opening
Electricity cost control starts with correct usage, not just cheaper tariffs.
Maintenance Costs and Why They Matter
Common causes of high power bills include:
- Poor door seals
- Blocked airflow under the T-bar floor
- Incorrect thermostat settings
- Loading warm goods instead of pre-cooled stock
- Frequent door opening
Electricity cost control starts with correct usage, not just cheaper tariffs.
Maintenance Costs and Why They Matter
Refrigerated containers are mechanical systems, not passive storage units. Maintenance directly affects power usage, reliability, and lifespan.
What Maintenance Is Required?
Routine maintenance typically includes:
- Cleaning condenser and evaporator coils
- Inspecting door seals and hinges
- Checking airflow channels
- Verifying temperature accuracy
- Inspecting electrical connections
For static UK use, basic servicing is usually required once or twice per year, depending on workload and environment.
Why Maintenance Reduces Running Costs
A poorly maintained reefer works harder to maintain temperature, which:
- Increases electricity consumption
- Accelerates component wear
- Raises the risk of breakdowns
Regular servicing keeps power usage stable and prevents sudden failures that lead to stock loss.
Preventative vs Reactive Maintenance
Preventative maintenance
- Lower cost
- Predictable
- Protects stock and equipment
Reactive repairs
- More expensive
- Disrupt operations
- Often occur after damage is done
Preventative maintenance is always cheaper than emergency repair.
How Maintenance Affects Lifespan
Expected Lifespan of a Reefer Container
- Container structure: 20 to 30+ years
- Refrigeration machinery: typically shorter, depending on care
A well-maintained ex-marine refrigerated container can provide many years of reliable static cold storage in the UK.
Important Lifespan Insight
Around half of a refrigerated container’s value sits in the insulated steel structure, not the refrigeration unit.
This means:
- Even if machinery eventually fails, the container retains resale value
- Units can be repurposed as insulated storage
- Machinery replacement is sometimes viable
Maintenance protects both performance and long-term asset value.
Hire vs Buy: Running Cost Differences
When Hiring Makes Sense
Refrigerated container hire works best when:
- Storage is seasonal or temporary
- You want maintenance included
- You need short-term event storage
- Budget predictability matters
Hire removes unexpected repair costs but comes with ongoing rental fees.
When Buying Makes Sense
Buying a refrigerated container is ideal if:
- You need long-term static cold storage
- You want control over maintenance
- You prefer asset ownership
- You want lower long-term costs
While maintenance becomes your responsibility, overall running costs are often lower over time.
Factors That Reduce Running Costs Long Term
The UK climate is generally favourable for refrigerated containers compared to hotter regions.
Benefits include:
- Lower ambient temperatures
- Reduced compressor workload
- Lower average energy consumption
However, poor placement near buildings or residential areas can create noise complaints, particularly if the unit runs overnight. This should be considered during site planning.
UK Climate Considerations
The UK climate is generally favourable for refrigerated containers compared to hotter regions.
Benefits include:
- Lower ambient temperatures
- Reduced compressor workload
- Lower average energy consumption
However, poor placement near buildings or residential areas can create noise complaints, particularly if the unit runs overnight. This should be considered during site planning.
Planning and Compliance Considerations
If a refrigerated container is:
- Used long-term
- Part of a business expansion
- Installed near residential property
Planning permission or local authority consultation may be required. This is especially relevant where noise or commercial use is involved.
The Real Cost of Not Understanding Reefer Running Costs
Failing to understand running costs often leads to:
- Unexpected electricity bills
- Premature equipment failure
- Lost stock
- Emergency repair costs
Knowing how reefers consume power and age allows you to control costs instead of reacting to them.
Final Verdict: Are Reefers Cost-Effective?
Yes, when used correctly.
Compared to permanent cold rooms, refrigerated containers offer:
- Lower upfront cost
- Faster deployment
- Portability
- Strong resale value
- Predictable running costs
Electricity, maintenance, and lifespan are manageable when understood upfront.
Bottom Line
Reefer container running costs are not just about electricity. Maintenance and lifespan play an equally important role in total cost of ownership.
Businesses that monitor power use, maintain equipment properly, and choose the right container size enjoy reliable, affordable cold storage for years.
If you are considering refrigerated container hire or purchase, understanding these costs before ordering is the smartest way to protect your budget and your stock.
