Whether you want to lower your monthly electric bills or your fridge is past its prime, you may be looking to buy a new one.

Your fridge is probably one of the things that you cannot live without. It is also one of the appliances you should never turn off.

The problem is, it consumes an enormous amount of energy. Per the reports of the Department of Energy, your refrigerator uses up to 13.7% of the entire home’s consumption.

So, make sure to buy an energy-efficient refrigerator.

Energy-Efficient Refrigerator Purchase Guide

Here are some things to consider when trying to find the right fridge for your home:

Features

The number of occupants in your home, specific requirements of each, etc., can determine the new fridge’s features.

Many are unnecessary, energy-hogging features, such as ice makers and dispensers. They do have benefits like inconsistent temperature by eliminating the need to open the door. However, they can increase the overall usage by around 16%.

Also, consider if you need a bottom-mount or top-mount freezer. To-mount freezers save more energy than even side-by-side fridges. It is said to consume less power than a 60-watt light bulb.

Look for “energy saver” switches that allow you to switch off heating coils to prevent condensation. Such energy-efficient refrigerator features can easily reduce up to 10% in energy costs.

Available Space

Your needs and the space available are crucial things to consider to choose the right size. Any refrigerator with low power consumption can range from 16-20 cu. ft. in size.

Make sure to leave at least one inch of clearance around the fridge to allow for adequate airflow. Otherwise, there is a chance of overheating the equipment and parts. You should be able to move in front of it comfortably even when the door is open.

ENERGY STAR Refrigerators

If your fridge is 15-years-old, it uses 30% more electricity than an ENERGY STAR rated product. The ENERGY STAR label is a federal government certification program that ensures high standards of energy efficiency.

To encourage people to use sustainable options, these energy-efficient refrigerators also qualify for discounts. Within 12 years of use, you can decrease 4,900 pounds of your CO2 emissions and save over $200.

Energy Label

Each fridge carries an Energy Guide Label, which appears in black and yellow. It is similar to the labels you see on other electronic products.

You can find the annual operating costs of the new refrigerator with low power consumption. To get an accurate estimate, check the per kWh rate on your electricity plan and compare it with the power usage of the refrigerator. If this personalized estimate seems too much, you can look at other models.

Save more on your monthly bills with an energy-efficient refrigerator. Choose the right power plan to increase those savings.

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