Newer refrigerators, freezers and window air conditioners cost much less to operate than older units. For example, replacing a 20-year-old, 18 cubic feet refrigerator with a new ENERGY STARŪ refrigerator will result in an annual energy cost savings of about $120-$150 At this rate, the savings will pay for the cost of the new refrigerator in five to seven years.
If you're planning to buy a new refrigerator or freezer, please consider these energy efficiency tips:
Choose the right size!
The larger the appliance, the more electricity it will use, so consider the number of people that will be using the appliance.
- One or two people - 12 cubic feet
- Three or four people - 14 to 17 cubic feet
- Each additional person - add 2 cubic feet
Pick the right model
Top freezer models are the most efficient, followed by bottom freezers, with side-by-side models being the least efficient.
Look for the ENERGY STAR® symbol
The ENERGY STAR® symbol is a simple way for you to identify products that are among the most energy-efficient on the market. Only manufacturers and retailers whose products meet the ENERGY STAR® criteria can label their products with this symbol. Find out more about qualified ENERGY STAR® products at www.oee.nrcan.gc.ca/energystar.
Look for a low EnerGuide rating
The EnerGuide label is a tool to help you make an energy-wise choice when buying a new appliance. It shows how much energy appliances consume in a year of normal service and makes it easy to compare the energy efficiency of each model to others of the same size and class. When shopping for a new appliance, look for a low EnerGuide rating. Find out about EnerGuide at: www.oee.nrcan.gc.ca/energuide Once you have selected a new fridge or freezer, here are some additional energy efficiency tips you can follow:
- Don't overfill the refrigerator - this blocks air circulation.
- A full freezer will perform better than an empty one.
- Clean your refrigerator's coils (in the back) and air intake grill (below the doors) every 3 months.
- Allow hot foods to cool before putting them in the refrigerator.
- Keep refrigerators and freezers out of direct sunlight, and allow at least 5 cm all around the unit.
