Is Your Old Refrigerator a Waste of Energy?

Posted on May 14, 2008
Tag(s): Kitchens And Baths, Green Furnishings, Going Green | | Email this

In most households, the refrigerator is the biggest energy-consuming kitchen appliance. But there’s good news: Energy Star qualified refrigerators require about half as much energy as models manufactured before 1993 (and even 40% less than 2001 models). Not only will you reduce your carbon footprint by replacing your old frig with a new Energy Star model, but you’ll save money on your monthly utility bill as well.

Look for the yellow and black Energy Star label, usually placed inside the refrigerators, at your local appliance store. Today, many manufacturers offer Energy Star qualified refrigerators. You can even see how much your particular refrigerator is costing you to operate here. Click here to for a list of Energy Star rated refrigerators and a comparison of energy usage between models.

Some tips to keep your refrigerator working efficiently:

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 or freezer 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.

If it’s time to update the kitchen and replace your old appliances, be sure to have your old appliances recycled. An average refrigerator over 10 years old contains 123 pounds of steel that can be recycled. To find a recycling program in your area, click here.