Benefits of ENERY STAR Qualified Refrigerators and Freezers

ENERGY STAR qualified refrigerators require about half as much energy as models manufactured before 1993. ENERGY STAR qualified refrigerators provide energy savings without sacrificing the features you want. The benefits of ENERGY STAR refrigerators include the following:

1. ENERGY STAR qualified refrigerator models use high efficiency compressors, advanced insulation, and precision temperature and defrosting mechanisms for increased energy efficiency.
2. ENERGY STAR qualified refrigerator models use at least 15% less energy than required by current federal standards and 40% less energy than the conventional models sold in 2001.
3. Many ENERGY STAR qualified refrigerator models include automatic ice-maker and through-the-door ice dispensers. Qualified models are also available with top, bottom, and side-by-side freezers.
   

ENERGY STAR freezer models also help conserve energy and lower your electric bills. Two of the most dramatic benefits of ENERGY STAR freezers are that:

1. ENERGY STAR qualified freezer models use at least 10% less energy than required by current federal standards. Qualified freezer models are available in three configurations:
   
   - upright freezers with automatic defrost
   - upright freezers with manual defrost
   - chest freezers with manual defrost only
   
   
2. Both ENERGY STAR freezers and compact refrigerators use at least 20% less energy than required by federal standards. Compacts are models with volumes less than 7.75 cubic feet.
   

Saving energy helps prevent pollution, and a greener planet may rank highest amongst the many benefits of ENERGY STAR refrigerators. In most households, the refrigerator is the single biggest energy draining kitchen appliance. Replacing a refrigerator bought in 1990 with a new ENERGY STAR qualified model would save enough energy to light the average household for nearly four months.

You may also be interested in methods of energy reduction that apply to both standard and ENERGY STAR refrigerator models:

1. Position your refrigerator away from heat sources such as ovens, a dishwashers, or direct sunlight.
2. Leave a space between the wall and refrigeration unit and keep the condenser coils clean to allow air to circulate.
3. Make sure the door seals are airtight.
4. Keep your refrigerator between 35 and 38 degrees Fahrenheit and your freezer at 0 degrees Fahrenheit.
5. Minimize the amount of time the refrigerator door is open.