Newer refrigerators, freezers and window air conditioners cost much less to operate than older units. For example, replacing a 20-year-old 18 cubic feet refrigerator with a new Energy Star™ refrigerator will result in an annual energy cost savings of about $130. At this rate, the savings will pay for the cost of the new refrigerator in five to seven years.
If you’re planning to buy a new refrigerator or freezer please consider these Energy Efficiency Tips:
- Choose the right size!
The larger the appliance the more electricity it will use so consider the number of people that will be using the appliance.
- One or two people – 340L or 12 cubic feet
- Three or four people – 395 to 480L or 14 to 17 cubic feet
- Each additional person – add 55L or 2 cubic feet
- Configuration Counts
Top freezer models are the most efficient, followed by bottom freezers, with side-by-side models being the least efficient.
Look for the ENERGY STAR®
ENERGY STAR® symbol is a simple way for you to identify products that are among the most energy-efficient on the market. Only manufacturers and retailers whose products meet the ENERGY STAR® criteria can label their products with this symbol. Find out more about qualified ENERGY STAR® products at
www.oee.nrcan.gc.ca/energystar.
- Look for a low EnerGuide rating
The EnerGuide label is a tool to help you make an energy-wise choice when buying a new appliance. It shows how much energy appliances consume in a year of normal service and makes it easy to compare the energy efficiency of each model to others of the same size and class.
When shopping for a new appliance look for a low EnerGuide rating. Find out about EnerGuide at: www.oee.nrcan.gc.ca/energuide.