Refrigerator & Freezer Buying Guide
A quick guide to strategic product selection
ENERGY STAR
We recommend ENERGY STAR refrigerators and freezers because:
- They feature high efficiency compressors, improved insulation, and more precise temperature and defrost mechanisms, thereby using 20% less energy than required by current federal standards; at least 40% less energy than the conventional models sold in 2001; and about 50% less energy compared to models manufactured before 1993
- Qualified freezer models use at least 10% less energy than required by current federal standards
- Qualified compact refrigerators and freezers use at least 20% less energy than required by current federal standards (compacts are models with volumes less than 7.75 cubic feet)
► All of the refrigerators and freezers featured on Eco-rate are ENERGY STAR qualified.
Top-freezer configuration
Top freezers are the most energy-efficient and repair-free of the configurations offered on Eco-rate, followed by bottom-freezer models. Side-by-side refrigerator/freezers are often more convenient, but they're more likely to need repair and can use roughly 7 - 13% more energy than top-freezer models. Also note that automatic icemakers increase energy use by 14 - 20% and often increase the likelihood of repairman visits.
► You can sort by "Configuration" on Eco-rate to evaluate top- and bottom-freezer models.
Buy local
To reduce carbon emissions associated with product transportation and to support your local economy, we encourage you to buy your refrigerator and/or freezer from a local manufacturer.
► Eco-rate features where a refrigerator is made and far it must to travel to get from its manufacturer to you.
Buy smaller
Refrigerators consume more electricity than any major kitchen appliance. Unless you’re buying a refrigerator to fit in the same space as the old one, pick the size that best meets your storage needs. In general, the smaller the refrigerator, the more energy-efficient it will be. You will not only save energy and money with a smaller refrigerator, you will also be encouraged to buy (fresher) food more often!
Maximize your refrigerator/freezer's performance
- Position it away from a heat source such as an oven, a dishwasher, or direct sunlight from a window.
- Allow air to circulate around the condenser coils by leaving 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 the refrigerator operating between 35 and 38 degrees Fahrenheit and your freezer at 0 degrees Fahrenheit
- Minimize the amount of time the refrigerator door is open.
Properly dispose of your old refrigerator or freezer
Recycle, sell or donate your refrigerator or freezer when it is no longer functional or efficient. The average refrigerator aged 10 years or older contains more than 120 pounds of recyclable steel. Almost all of the materials in your refrigerator or freezer can be recycled. This includes the metal cabinet, plastic liner, glass shelves, the refrigerant and oil in the compressor, and the blowing agent contained in polyurethane foam insulation. Use Eco-rate’s product search tool to find a new refrigerator or freezer and then select the “Recycle” tab from the product page. You will then be able to use the Earth 911 search widget to find a local reuse or recycling location for your refrigerator or freezer. Click here to see an example.
NOTE: Older refrigeration equipment made before 1995 contains chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) in refrigerants and refrigerators made prior to 2005 are insulated with foam that contains either CFCs or HCFCs. If emitted, CFCs and HCFCs contribute to both ozone depletion and climate change. If your refrigerator predates 2005, ensure your recycler is an EPA Responsible Appliance Disposal (RAD) Program partner. This is a voluntary partnership program that began in October 2006 to help protect the ozone layer and reduce emissions of greenhouse gases. Click here for details.
How are refrigerators & freezers rated on Eco-rate?
Please click here to discover our refrigerator rating system.
Questions? Feedback?
Visit our Forum to ask questions and share your thoughts about energy-efficient refrigeration products.
