Energy Efficient Refrigerators

An energy efficient refrigerator can significantly reduce your electricity bill. According to the United States Department of Energy, a new Energy Star qualified refrigerator uses approximately half of the electricity as a refrigerator made previously to 1993. A refrigerator also uses the most electricity of any other kitchen appliance, making it an excellent replacement choice.

While homeowners may think that an energy efficient refrigerator would be incredibly utilitarian, Energy Star refrigerators are available in a wide range of models. They include models with bottom, top, or even side by side freezers. Models are also available with modern conveniences such as a through the door ice dispenser or an automatic ice maker.

Components of an Energy Efficient Refrigerator

While most consumers use the Energy Star label to choose an energy efficient appliance, most refrigerators that meet these qualifications have these features in common:

• High efficiency compressors: A high efficiency compressor.
• Extra insulation: Insulation helps keep the interior of the refrigerator cooler, even when the outside temperature rises.
• Precise temperature gauges: Incredibly accurate gauges help insure that the refrigerator only turns on as necessary.
• Uses twenty percent less energy: Current Energy Star standards require that the refrigerator uses one fifth less energy than the current federal standards. It must also use forty percent less energy than traditional refrigerator models sold in 2001.

Other Energy Saving Measures

Buying an Energy Star appliance is a good first step to having a greener refrigerator, but there are other techniques to use to further reduce your refrigerator's energy consumption. Use these energy conservation tips on your new or old refrigerator as ways to save energy.

• Make sure that your refrigerator is as far away as possible from potential heat sources such as windows, heating vents, or an oven.
• Regularly clean the condenser coils and other areas of the refrigerator to ensure it is running properly.
• Check the refrigerator seal to ensure that it creates an airtight seal between the door and body of the appliance. If the seal is worn, a replacement seal can be purchased and replaced by the homeowner.
• Be sure that the refrigerator is far enough from the wall to allow the condenser coils to operate to their full potential. The manufacturer should have recommendations for the specific model in the owner's manual.
• Set the refrigerator temperature to be around 36 degrees Fahrenheit. A freezer should be set to be 0 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Organize your refrigerator so that items can be easily located, reducing the amount of time the door is open.

Final Considerations

Buying a new, greener refrigerator to replace an older model can be a great way to positively impact the environment. However, do not discount the importance of disposing of the old refrigerator responsibly. While many companies may offer disposal of the old refrigerator as a courtesy, often these refrigerators end up in landfills. A better plan is to research recycling options in your area and make your own arrangements to have the old refrigerator removed.

If a new refrigerator is not within your budget, consider other small steps you can take to decrease your energy footprint. Knowing what is energy efficiency is an excellent first step to determining what are the most prudent steps to take towards a greener lifestyle.

• Ways to Prevent Global Warming
• 50 Specific Actions of Green Living
• Examples of Sustainable Development

• United States Recycling Statistics
• Types of Pollution
• Effects of Water Pollution
• Air Pollution Statistics
• Advantages and Disadvantages of Biofuels

• What is Energy Efficiency
• Energy Efficient House
• Energy Conservation Tips
• Ways to Save Energy
• Category:Energy Efficiency