If you’re looking for energy efficient refrigerator or freezers just look for one with an Energy Star sticker or logo on it. Energy star refrigerators require about half as much energy as a refrigerator manufactured in 1993. Energy Star qualified refrigerator models use high efficiency compressors, improved insulation, and more precise temperature and defrost mechanisms to improve energy efficiency. Energy Star qualified freezer models use at least 10% less energy than required by current federal standards.
Energy star refrigerators are designed to help you save money on your utility bills and reduce energy waste. Energy star rated refrigerators can be found at many different retailers and sold at various prices depending on the refrigerator model.
In most households, the refrigerator is the single biggest energy consuming kitchen appliance. Replacing a refrigerator bought in 1990 with a new Energy Star qualified model would save enough energy to light the average household for nearly four months. Energy Star’s web site address is: www.energystar.gov
There is also a company called Sun Frost. They provide energy efficient refrigerators as well. You can even use them with solar power or with another low output energy source. All of their models are available in 12 or 24 volt DC, or 110 or 220 volt AC. You can custom make a refrigerator for your house too. Here’s the address to their web site: http://www.sunfrost.com/refrigerators_main.html
If you cannot afford to buy a new or used energy star rated refrigerator you can still reduce the amount of energy you use. You can reduce the amount of energy your refrigerator or freezer uses by following these tips:
· 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.
· Choose top-mounted freezer configuration over side-by-side. Side-by-side refrigerator/freezers use more energy than similarly sized models with the freezer on top, even if they both carry the Energy Star. The government holds the two categories to different standards, allowing side-by-sides to use 10-30% more energy.
· Choose a refrigerator that is less than 25 cubic feet. Models over 25 cubic feet use significantly more energy.
· Recycle older or second refrigerators. To recycle your old fridge go to: www.recyclemyoldfridge.com
