How to buy an energy efficient refrigerator
Maybe it's been a while since you've shopped for a new refrigerator.
Refrigerators still look pretty much the same from the outside as they
did 10 to 15 years ago. What you can't see, however, is that there
have been some dramatic energy efficiency improvements inside today's
refrigerators.
Why should you care how energy-efficient your refrigerator is?
The more energy efficient a refrigerator is, the lower your utility bill will be each month.
Thanks to an increase in standards by the federal government, newer
refrigerators are required to be at least 30% more efficient than models
manufactured before July 1, 2001. For an even bigger savings, look for
refrigerators with the ENERGY STAR® label. To earn this label, a model
must exceed the 2001 federal minimum efficiency standards by at least 10%.
When you are buying a refrigerator, there are really two price tags.
The initial purchase price can be thought of as the down payment.
Sometimes, energy efficient models seem to be more expensive than
less efficient units. Actually, these energy efficient models can be a
better value. Recent design changes include better insulation and
more efficient compressors.
The second price tag is the cost to operate the refrigerator over its lifetime.
You'll be paying the second price tag on your monthly utility bill for about 15
years. Look to the yellow EnergyGuide label to find how much energy the
refrigerator will use annually. Compare the energy use (in kWh) and cost
to operate to other models of similar size and configuration. The more
energy the refrigerator uses, the more it will cost you to operate it.
When you are comparing two models, be sure to compare both first
and second price tags before you buy to figure out the true cost of
buying and operating the refrigerator. You may find that although
one appliance may cost more to purchase, it could end up costing
you less over the lifetime of the unit.
If your refrigerator is 10 years old or older, it could use as much energy
as two of today's ENERGY STAR refrigerators. Depending on the type of
refrigerator and the cost of electricity, a new ENERGY STAR-labeled refrigerator
can save you between $35 and $70 annually, compared to a 1986 model.
The savings will add up over the average 15-year life of a refrigerator.
SRP recommends that you recycle your old refrigerator and that you
call your local town or city government for proper disposal or collection
options. Placing your refrigerator in the garage or other uncooled area
of your home will increase your electricity bill significantly, more than
offsetting the energy and dollar savings of your new refrigerator.
More efficient compressors and better insulation have greatly improved the
energy performance of new refrigerators. Look for heavy door hinges which
create a good seal for the door; this prevents cold air from escaping.
On models that have the freezer on top, look for an "energy saver" switch.
Switching to "energy saver" mode turns off "anti-sweat" heaters, which can
reduce energy use by 5% to 10%. "Anti-sweat" heaters reduce moisture
between the freezer and fresh food compartments when the weather is
humid, but are not needed most of the year.
Smaller refrigerators use less energy than larger refrigerators -- but it is much
better to run one larger unit than two smaller units.
When you're spending hundreds of dollars on a new appliance, you try
to get the most value for your money. You look for a reliable product
with the features you want and a price you can afford. A great way to
find the right appliance is to look for the ENERGY STAR label.
Appliances with this label have been identified by the U.S. Department of
Energy as being among the most energy efficient products available in their class.
ENERGY STAR-labeled appliances are top performing products that save
you money every day, every month, and for years to come. And, they
help decrease pollution by reducing the demand for electricity.
Models with ENERGY STAR labels will lower the "second price tag" of
on-going energy costs every month for years to come. If an ENERGY
STAR-labeled model costs more than a less efficient model of the same
size, the energy savings will probably pay back the extra cost in only a
few years.
For more information about refrigerator energy efficiency, check the following resources:
SRP PowerWise
U.S. Department of Energy
Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Clearinghouse
P.O. Box 3048
Merrifield, VA 22116-0121
(800) 363-3732
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
ENERGY STAR programs
401 M St., S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20460
(888) STAR-YES
Rocky Mountain Institute
1739 Snowmass Creek Road
Snowmass, CO 81654-9199
(970) 927-3851