|
| |
Refrigerators
Refrigerators are the single biggest power drains in most
households--accounting for 9-25% of a household's total energy consumption! A
typical refrigerator made around 1990 uses about 900 kilowatt-hours per year.
- Use 20-50% less energy.
- Save as much as $120 per year on
your utility bill.
- Reduce indoor noise.
- Help the environment.
Look for the Energy Guide label to see how much electricity,
in kilowatt-hours (kWh), the refrigerator or freezer will use in one year. The
smaller the number, the less energy it will use. When purchasing your appliance,
look for the following:
- Energy Star®-labeled units
because they exceed Federal standards by at least 20%.
- Top freezer models because they
use 7-13% less energy than side-by-side models.
- 16-20 cubic foot size (maximum
energy-efficient models).
- Models without automatic
icemakers and through-the-door dispensers because these features increase
energy use by 14-20% and add $750-250 to the purchase price.
- Models that do not have an anti-sweat
heater unless you want to consume 5-10% more energy.
Operating one large refrigerator/freezer is less costly
than operating two smaller refrigerators/freezers. You can save more money if
you...
- Replace a refrigerator that
is 15 years or older with a new, more efficient unit.
- Keep frost build-up to ¼
inch or less by defrosting your manual-defrost refrigerators and freezers
regularly.
- Make sure your refrigerator
and freezer door seals are airtight.
- Keep the doors closed as
much as possible, and make sure they are closed tightly.
- Avoid overcrowding, because
too many items obstruct air circulation and reduce cooling capabilities.
- Set your temperature gauges
to 37-40°F for fresh food and 0-5°F for frozen food.
Return to Energy Saving
Tips
| |
|
