Buying Guide - Refrigerators

What To Look For:

Any new refrigerator model will be much more efficient than the one you currently own, and will save you a considerable amount of money in power bills. But to make sure you're getting the most energy-efficient appliance for your money, there are a few things to look for.

Configuration

Look for top-freezer models, which are the most energy efficient and repair-free of the configurations offered.

Although side-by-side refrigerator/freezers are often more convenient, they're less energy efficient (particularly if they include water or ice dispensers). They're also are more likely to need repair. The Rocky Mountain Institute determined that these models use roughly 7 to 13 percent more energy than similar top-freezer models, and automatic ice makers increase energy use by 14 to 20 percent.

Size

Buy a refrigerator that will accommodate all the food your family eats, rather than buying a new small fridge and keeping your old one running in a basement or garage to store bulk items like soda and frozen meat. Considering that a typical 1990 model refrigerator costs about $75 per year to run, and releases over 1,200 pounds of CO2 each year, it's much more economical and ecological to be sure your new model is a sufficient size to hold all your food.

Annual Energy Use in kWh, Annual C02 Emissions and Annual Energy Cost

Your refrigerator is probably the most power-hungry appliance in your house. The less energy needed to run your it, the less you'll have to pay. Also, buying the most efficient refrigerator will mean that you're emitting the least amount of greenhouse gases and CO2 into the atmosphere.

Energy Star Rated

On January 1, 2004, the ENERGY STAR criteria for refrigerators changed for all full-size refrigerators. All refrigerators greater than 7.75 cubic feet must be at least 15 percent more efficient than the federal standard.

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Shopping and Usage Tips

Efficient Use

There are several ways to increase the energy efficiency of a newer model once you get it home from the store.

-Don't keep your fridge too cold. Refrigerators should be kept between 37 and 40 degrees and freezers at 5 degrees. Colder temperatures waste energy. To test the temperature, leave an appliance thermometer in a glass of water in the middle shelf for 24 hours. In the freezer, place a thermometer among packs of frozen food.

-Clean the coils annually.

-Cover food and drink to avoid evaporation in the fridge, which can force the compressor to work harder.

-Keep your freezer filled. Frozen blocks of food keep freezer temperatures more stable.

-Don't clutter the fridge top; it can hamper the compressor's proper air circulation.

-Don't put your refrigerator in direct sunlight or next to an oven or dishwasher.

-Check the door seals. They should be able to hold a piece of paper in place.

-Defrost the freezer regularly and avoid frost build-ups of more than a quarter-inch.

-And as always, don't leave the fridge door open.

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