How can I find a fridge that is energy efficient and "green"?
Older refrigerators used chemicals--known as CFCs--that were pegged as ozone-layer-depletion offenders and were supposed to be phased out entirely by 2000. However, refrigerators can still be big-time energy suckers. If you want to reduce your carbon footprint, here's how to shop for greener model:
Look for the Energy Star label: The Energy Star certification program is a joint effort of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the Environmental Protection Agency. You should know the drill by now: The Energy Star label means that an appliance is certified as energy efficient--using 15 percent less energy than required by federal standards and 40 percent less energy than the conventional models sold in 2001. Learn more at Energy Star.
Read the EnergyGuide label: Refrigerator manufacturers must use standard DOE test procedures to prove the energy use and efficiency of their products--and the results are printed on yellow EnergyGuide labels that must be displayed on appliances. According to the Energy Star Web site, "The label estimates how much energy the appliance uses, compares energy use of similar products, and lists approximate annual operating costs. Your exact costs will depend on local utility rates and the type and source of your energy." So, read this label as you comparison shop.
Don't buy big, buy smart: After deciding how many cubic feet of food storage you need, if you're not going to use a model to full capacity, then consider buying less fridge. It's simple: the bigger the box, the more energy it uses. Experts say that bottom freezer and top freezer models use less energy overall. Also, don't buy a bigger freezer than you need--freezers always require more energy per cubic foot.
Other steps you can take, according to Energy Star:
- Leave some room between your refrigerator and the wall to let air circulate around the coils, and don't place it right next to heat source such as an oven, a dishwasher, or direct sunlight from a window.
- Keep your temperature set between 35 and 38 degrees Fahrenheit and your freezer at 0 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Dispose of your old fridge safely through RecycleMyOldFridge.com.
