Chill-Out With these Refrigerator Purchasing Tips

Pinellas Energy Efficiency Project

10% of the average home electric bill goes towards refrigeration. You can save money throughout the year by buying a more efficient refrigerator/freezer.

Refrigerator and Freezer Purchasing Tips:

• Choose the right size and type for your needs. Generally, the larger the refrigerator or freezer model, the greater the energy consumption. The most energy-efficient refrigerator models are typically 16 to 20 cubic feet. The most energy-efficient freezer models are typically chest freezers
• Choose a model with a blue ENERGY STAR® label. ENERGY STAR® qualified refrigerators and freezers save you money over their lifetime by saving on energy costs.
• Compare yellow EnergyGuide labels. A yellowEnergyGuide label includes information on the energy usage of the product, energy usage comparisons with similar models, and estimated annual operating costs.
• Consider buying a top-mount refrigerator-freezer. Top-mount refrigerator-freezer models use 10 to 25% less energy than side-by-side models
• Consider a model without an ice-maker and dispenser. Automatic ice-makers and door dispensers increase energy use by 14 to 20 percent and raise the purchase price by about $75-250.
• Look for a refrigerator with automatic moisture control, but without an anti-sweat heater.Models with automatic moisture control have been engineered to prevent moisture accumulation on the cabinet exterior without the addition of a heater. This feature differs from an "anti-sweat" heater that actually produces heat. Models with an anti-sweat heater will consume five to 10 percent more energy than models without this feature.

To learn more about Refrigerators & Freezers, click here to download this pdf fact sheet from the Florida Energy Systems Consortium.