Upgrade your refrigerator to an Energy Star model
Why This is Green
By some estimates, your fridge accounts for up to 25 percent of your yearly energy bills. If your refrigerator was purchased before 1993, it's likely using more than twice the energy to run as a new Energy Star-rated model. Energy Star qualified refrigerators are 20 percent more efficient than required by federal regulations and can save you over 65 dollars per year in energy costs, depending on your specifics. Use the Energy Star Refrigerator Retirement Savings Calculator to find out how much you can save.
But it’s not just money you’ll save with a new fridge. Factor in that 70 percent of U.S. electricity is generated with coal and natural gas. An Energy Star fridge can help prevent the release of damaging greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere. Just don’t forget to properly recycle your old fridge.
Learn More
How To
Go shopping. Check the Energy Star yellow EnergyGuide label to see how refrigerators stack up; the label details the model's energy use, compares the energy use of similar models, and estimates annual operating costs.
Check if your state has an appliance rebate program for the purchase of new energy-efficient appliances.
Other things to consider when upgrading your fridge include:
• Look into a top mounted freezer model; they use 10 to 25 percent less energy.
• Make sure it's the right size for your needs; generally, the larger the refrigerator, the more energy consumed.
• Automatic icemakers and through-the-door dispensers increase energy use by 14 to 20 percent (and that water might be unfiltered).
Recommended Products
- Whirlpool Side-by-Side Refrigerator
- Kenmore Top Freezer Refrigerator
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