KITCHEN APPLIANCES - Buying Refrigerators

Things to know that SIGNIFICANTLY help when BUYING Refrigerators:

First, do you still use a refrigerator like the one on the left from the 1970s or 1980s? Second, do not automatically think buying a new refrigerator like the one on the right is going to save you the MOST energy. Yes, even with an Energy Star label on the refrigerator, that may mean you are using more energy! View Consumer Report on ABC - Thursday February 4, 2010 However, even with a well working twentyfive or thirty year old refrigerator, do not live by the old saying: "If it isn't broke, don't fix it." Due to the energy savings and environmental benefits with today's better models, you have to: "REPLACE IT."

So EHW Members are asking: WHAT REFRIGERATOR DO I BUY TO SAVE THE MOST ENERGY?

ANSWER: Use the YELLOW Energy Guide Labels to compare and find the MOST Energy efficient model. More about this on the next pages.

Watchdog in Action:
Remember these Facts in this order:

Design First - Most energy efficient design is with the Freezer on the top. Open racks for best air flow, no solid shelves.
Cubic Foot Size Second - The smaller and larger sizes will cost more on the electric bill.
Bells and Whistles Last - Extras like water and ice through the door or inside the door will raise the electric bill even more.

- The previous pages of this section showed why the Design with the Freezer on the Top is the most efficient.
The following pages will have the Yellow Energy Guide Labels prove it.
- With Cubic size, always compare models with the same cubic feet to get the right comparison.
However, note that small or bigger is not always better. More about this on the next pages.
- Always ask how much use will you get from Extras. Do you really need them or just want them?
Most extra features are used at first and then just consume electricity while rarely used.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: ARE YOU SHOPPING FOR A SMALL REFRIGERATOR?

PERHAPS FOR YOUR DORM, OFFICE, TEACHERS' LOUNGE, EMPLOYEE'S LUNCH AREA OR HOSPITAL FLOOR.

THEN CONSIDER THIS: Buy a Larger (around 21 cubic foot) REFRIGERATOR instead of a small one and have more room to share with fellow teachers or employees in the department while paying a much lower electric bill!

Here is why:

4.4 cubic ft. unit VS 21 cubic feet

Watchdog in Action: This small 4.4 cubic foot refrigerator may be appealing for its space saving size... BUT Did You Know that this small refrigerator will cost you just as much in energy and money as a large 21 cubic foot refrigerator? These small units don't even meet the minimum standards to get an Energy Star Label. Based on our national average* kilowatt cost, the average yearly electric bill for this small unit shown, is $39.00. Other models are a little less or a little more. * The West and East coast, plus major cities pay much more. If your kilowatt rate is among the highest in the country, your electric cost is not $39 per year, it is DOUBLE that. By just using a little more floor space to fit a taller 21 cubic foot refrigerator that is the most energy efficient model made in that size, you get: - 17 more cubic feet of space - best efficiency with an average yearly electric cost of only $41.00. ONLY $2.00 more! This is a "No Brainier", Universities should tell the four students in a Dorm to forgo their own small units and share one large refrigerator. The same holds true for teachers with small units in each class room, departmental lunch rooms, employees and any where else small units are used and can be incorporated into one energy efficient large one.

How Does the Yellow Energy Guide Label help to find the most energy efficient refrigerator?

Click onward to Learn How to use the Yellow Energy Guide Labels...

 

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