Refrigerators & Freezer Purchasing Tips

Ask for an ENERGY STAR® model. When buying a refrigerator or freezer from a retailer, request an ENERGY STAR® qualified model to ensure it is energy-efficient.

Check the yellow EnergyGuide label to determine how much energy is used to operate the model, compare the energy use of similar models, and approximate annual operating costs.

Purchase an appropriate-sized refrigerator or freezer model for your needs. Generally, the larger the refrigerator/freezer, the greater the energy use. The most energy-efficient refrigerator models are typically 16-20 cubic feet. Chest type freezers tend to be the most energy-efficient.

Consider buying a refrigerator model with a top freezer. Top freezer models use 10-25% less energy than side-by-side models.

Consider doing without an ice-maker and dispenser. Automatic ice-makers and through-the-door dispensers increase energy use by 14-20% and raise the purchase price by about $75-250.

Look for a refrigerator with automatic moisture control. Models with this feature have been engineered to prevent moisture accumulation on the cabinet exterior without the addition of a heater. This is not the same thing as an “anti-sweat” heater. Models with an anti-sweat heater will consume 5% to 10% more energy than models without this feature.

Manual defrost models use half the energy of automatic defrost models but must be defrosted periodically to realize energy savings. Frost buildup increases the amount of energy needed to keep the motor running. Don’t allow frost to build up more than one-quarter of an inch.

Source Material: US Dept. of Energy

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