Today I’ll continue my series on energy efficient appliances by tackling the refrigerator. Thankfully, it’s not as hard to find an energy efficient refrigerator as it is to find other kitchen appliances such as energy efficient stoves that I discussed in my previous post.
Energy Star has rated refrigerators, so energy efficient refrigerators are easier to find. An Energy Star fridge will be 15% efficient than older models. From EnergyStar.gov:
An estimated 170 million refrigerators and freezers are currently in use in the United States. More than 60 million refrigerators are over 10 years old, costing consumers $4.4 billion a year in energy costs. By properly recycling your old refrigerator and replacing it with a newer Energy Star refrigerator, you can save from $200 to $1000 on energy costs over its lifetime.
Enervee, a company that ranks the energy performance of fridges and freezers, has named Samsung as the most energy efficient refrigerator brand. GE received the worst rating, so keep that in mind if you’re purchasing a new fridge.
However, you should always check the yellow Energy Star labels to make sure you understand exactly how your new purchase will use energy and how much it will cost you every month. Going with Samsung just gives you a starting point, since it’s easy to get lost in all the choices.
Of course, like stoves, energy efficiency in a fridge all depends on how you use it. So do as your Dad always said: don’t stand in the front of yours with the door open! You’ll let all the cold air out!
In the market for a new appliance? If you live in Pittsboro, Hillsboro, or anywhere else in the Raleigh-Durham area don’t forget to contact us for a free estimate on a dedicated appliance circuit. We’ll help you protect your new investment!