How We Rate Refrigerators & Freezers

Environmental Impact

Our Environmental Impact Rating for Refrigerators and Freezers is based on a product's Consumption Rating (see below), manufacturing location and manufacturer's commitment(s) to environmental stewardship. The higher the Environmental Impact Rating, the lesser the environmental impact of the refrigerator relative to others within the category.

Consumption

Our Consumption Rating for Refrigerators and Freezers is based on a product’s annual energy consumption measured in kilowatt-hours of electricity consumed per year relative to other products within the category. It also factors-in how much better (%) the product is than the federal standard for energy efficiency. The higher the Consumption Rating, the more energy-efficient the refrigerator.

Lifecycle Cost

Our Lifecycle Cost Rating for Refrigerators and Freezers is based on a product’s cost of ownership, including its purchase price and cost of operation (energy costs) relative to others within the category. A product’s return on investment potential is revealed in its Lifecycle Cost Rating since this rating uses the product's lifetime energy cost in relation to its purchase price. In many instances, products that have higher purchase prices but also have higher efficiency ratings bring a quick return on investment through reduced utility expenses.

The higher the Lifecycle Cost Rating, the more cost-effective the refrigerator.

Price

Our Price Rating for Refrigerators and Freezers is based on a product’s purchase price relative to others within the category. The higher the Price Rating, the better (lower) the price of the product.