Energy Efficient Refrigerators Save You Money

There seems to be no limit to the features a new refrigerator can have, from ice makers, to water dispensers, to in-door refreshment centers. But, while you might be tempted to choose a new refrigerator based on its features, the really important question to ask about a new refrigerator is how energy efficient it is.

Not only is your refrigerator one of the most expensive appliances in your home, it can also account for as much as 20% of the total electricity consumed by your household each month.

How Much Should You Spend

When buying a new refrigerator, price should definitely be taken into consideration. However, buying a less expensive new refrigerator won’t necessarily mean you’ll save money in the long run. Buying a new refrigerator that costs a little more, but is more energy efficient than a cheaper model, can actually end up costing you less over time.

The EnergyGuide Label

The EnergyGuide label, a yellow sticker found on appliances, will tell you how much a particular appliance will cost to operate each year. The difference in operating costs between one model of new refrigerator and another might not seem like much. But, when you remember that you’ll probably have the refrigerator you choose for 10 to 12 years, the money you save every year will add up.

Don’t Buy More Refrigerator Than You Need

The bigger a refrigerator is, the more energy it uses, and the more it costs to operate. If you’re an individual or couple, buying a large refrigerator that will be half empty most of the time is a waste of money. It’s better to choose a smaller model that can comfortably hold the amount of food you typically store.

Choose an Energy Star Refrigerator

Energy Star qualified appliance have met certain energy efficiency guidelines. Refrigerators that are Energy Star certified not only use less energy (meaning it will cost less to operate), they are also environment-friendly.

Trade In Your Older Model

Refrigerator technology has come a long way in the last decade or so. That refrigerator you bought just 8 to 10 years ago could be using 30% more energy than a new model would. So, even if your old refrigerator still works fine, you might want to consider trading up to a newer, more energy-efficient model.

Using the Energy-Saving Settings

Always use the suggested energy-saving settings for both the refrigerator and the freezer. These settings will keep your food fresh while helping to keep energy costs low.

Many new refrigerators allow you to control the temperature setting in individual bins and compartments. You can store foods that don’t need to be kept quite as cold in these compartments, turn down the temperature in those specific areas, and save a little more in energy costs.

In-Door Refreshment Centers

One feature you might want to consider when buying a new refrigerator is an in-door refreshment center. In-door refreshment centers are little compartments in the door of the refrigerator where you can store snacks, sodas, and other things your family uses frequently. The best thing about this feature is that you can gain access to the items stored inside the in-door refreshment center without opening the main refrigerator. And the less the main door is opened, the more energy you’ll save.

So, when buying a new refrigerator, consider energy efficiency the most important feature. Not only will buying an energy efficient refrigerator save energy, it will also help to lower that monthly electric bill.