ENERGY STAR qualified refrigerators require about half as much energy as refrigerator models manufactured before 1993. ENERGY STAR qualified refrigerators provide energy savings without sacrificing the features you want.
Four reasons why you should consider an ENERGY STAR qualified refrigerator when you are looking to replace your current kitchen appliances.
- ENERGY STAR qualified refrigerator models use high efficiency compressors, improved insulation, and more precise temperature and defrost mechanisms to improve energy efficiency in your kitchen.
- ENERGY STAR qualified refrigerator models use at least 15% less energy than required by current federal standards and 40% less energy than the conventional refrigerator models sold in 2001.
- Many ENERGY STAR qualified refrigerators include automatic ice-maker and through-the-door ice dispensers. Qualified refrigerators are also available with top, bottom, and side-by-side freezers.
- ENERGY STAR compact refrigerators use at least 20% less energy than required by current federal standards. Compact refrigerators are refrigerators with volumes less than 7.75 cubic feet. Compact refrigerators are also great when you have a smaller space to work with in your kitchen.
Remember, saving energy prevents pollution. In most households, the refrigerator is the single biggest energy consuming kitchen appliance. Replacing a refrigerator bought in 1990 with a new ENERGY STAR qualified refrigerator would save enough energy to light the average household for nearly four months. You may also be interested to know that you can reduce the amount of energy your refrigerator uses, whether with a standard or an ENERGY STAR qualified model:
- Position your refrigerator away from a heat source such as an oven, a dishwasher, or direct sunlight from a window.
- To allow air to circulate around the condenser coils, leave a space between the wall or cabinets and the refrigerator and keep the coils clean.
- Make sure the door seals are airtight.
- Keep your refrigerator between 35 and 38 degrees Fahrenheit and your freezer at 0 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Minimize the amount of time the refrigerator door is open.
- Recycle older or second refrigerators.
Source: ENERGY STAR
