Choose an ENERGY STAR refrigerator

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ENERGY STAR refrigerators use at least 15 percent less energy than standard models, which means lower electric bills for you and less CO2 for Mother Earth.

Find it! ENERGY STAR refrigerators

Most major refrigerator manufacturers offer ENERGY STAR models (with the blue ENERGY STAR label), which are sold in appliance centers, home improvement stores, and online. Consult ENERGY STAR's database of qualified refrigerators for specific models and brands.

Frigidaire 18.2 Cu. Ft. Top-Mount Refrigerator
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This no-frills, ENERGY STAR-qualified refrigerator features analog temperature controls and two sliding glass shelves, designed to contain spills.

GE Profile Energy Star 48" Built-In Stainless Side-by-Side Refrigerator
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This ENERGY STAR-qualified refrigerator has a sleek built-in appearance and a capacity of 29.60 cubic feet. It features electronic touch temperature controls, a GE Water Plus Filtration System, and a quick ice feature, handy for entertaining large groups.

LG 22.4 Cu. Ft. Bottom-Mount Refrigerator
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This ENERGY STAR-qualified unit conveniently keeps the fresh food compartment at eye level by placing the freezer at floor level. This refrigerator is designed for quiet operation and features digital temperature controls.

Maytag 25.6 Cu. Ft. Side-by-Side Refrigerator
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This ENERGY STAR-qualified unit has a capacity of 25.6 cubic feet and features a smooth black finish. It includes an ice and water dispenser, analog temperature controls, and a crisper drawer with adjustable humidity settings to prolong the life of fruits and vegetables.

Whirlpool 21.8. Cu. Ft. Side-by-Side Refrigerator
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This refrigerator features electronic temperature controls in addition to a temperature management system. It is ENERGY STAR-qualified, has a sleek finish, and is equipped with a filtered water and cubed/crushed ice dispenser.

Before you buy

When shopping, keep in mind that the initial price tag does not reflect the total cost of your refrigerator. Maintenance, repairs, and energy use costs apply after the initial purchase. Buying a more expensive, energy-efficient refrigerator could save you money on utility bills by saving energy over the appliance's lifetime. ENERGY STAR models, for example, can cost between $25 and $150 more than a standard model, but, with lower utility costs, a customer can recoup the extra purchase price in 4 to 6 years, depending on electricity rates.[1]

To see how much your current refrigerator costs to operate and how much you can save by purchasing an ENERGY STAR refrigerator, try ENERGY STAR's Refrigerator Retirement Savings Calculator. You can do a similar comparison, or compare the energy consumption between two new models, with the Consumer Reports GreenerChoices Refrigerator Energy Calculator.

Another way to determine how much your refrigerator will cost to operate is to look at the black and yellow EnergyGuide Label required by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). This label—which you can find hanging on the inside of refrigerator or stuck to the outside—tells you the capacity of the model as well as the estimated annual energy consumption. Use the labels to compare the efficiency of different brands and models.

Choosing an ENERGY STAR refrigerator helps you go green because...

  • These refrigerators are more energy efficient than their traditional counterparts. Reduced energy use requires less electricity production, which creates fewer greenhouse gas emissions.

Refrigerators use more energy than any other kitchen appliance.[2] The production of energy creates carbon dioxide (C02), a greenhouse gas: electric power plants release an average of 1.34 pounds of CO2 into the air for every kilowatt hour (kWh) of electricity generated.[3]

ENERGY STAR refrigerators use at least 15 percent less energy than the maximum amount of energy consumption allowed by current federal standards. ENERGY STAR freezers cut energy consumption by at least 10 percent, and ENERGY STAR compact refrigerators and freezers slice energy use by at least 20 percent. Replacing a refrigerator purchased in 1990 with a new ENERGY STAR model saves enough energy to provide all of the lighting used by an average US household for almost four months.[2]

Tax breaks and subsidies

In the US, the purchase of an ENERGY STAR refrigerator may qualify you for tax incentives at the federal, state, or local levels. For detailed information, see these resources:

External Links

Footnotes

  1. Natural Resources Defense Council - Out With the Old, In With the New: Why Refrigerator and Room Air Conditioner Programs Should Target Replacement to Maximize Energy Savings, page 27
  2. ENERGY STAR - Refrigerators & Freezers
  3. US Environmental Information Agency - Carbon Dioxide Emissions from the Generation of Electric Power in the United States, page 1