At a Glance
Are Energy-Efficient Refrigerators Worth It?
Refrigerator Energy Consumption
Top 5 Energy Efficient Refrigerators
Shopping for an Energy-Efficient Refrigerator
Energy Saving Tips for Your Refrigerator
While looking for home appliances, energy use is a crucial consideration. Non-efficient appliances not only waste energy and raise your utility costs but also deplete the environment's resources and increase pollution. The good news is that refrigerator efficiency has increased over time as a result of consumer demand and Department of Energy (DOE) regulations.
It is not unexpected that refrigerators and freezers together consume the seventh-highest amount of electricity in a home. This accounts for the fact that some homes have multiple refrigerators and separate freezers installed in kitchens, basements, and garages. Energy-efficient refrigerators are becoming more and more common since they lower carbon emissions and result in significant long-term financial savings. Due to their low power consumption, they are now more of a necessity than a luxury.
Here, our Fuse Specialty Appliance experts will examine energy efficient refrigerators and everything you need to know about energy efficiency when it comes to refrigeration.
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Are Energy-Efficient Refrigerators Worth It?
Absolutely! Buying an energy-efficient refrigerator is worthwhile because they use less power than models that aren't Energy Star certified. For instance, an old refrigerator can use 1,000 kWh (kilowatt hour) annually, compared to merely 500 kWh for an EnergyStar refrigerator of the same size.
Refrigerator Energy Consumption
The amount of electricity a refrigerator uses varies depending on the type, brand, level of occupancy, the care taken to keep it in good condition, the age of the refrigerator, and a number of other factors. The average refrigerator uses between 1 and 2 kilowatts per hour each day, or an average of roughly $150 per year, according to Reduction Revolution.
Refrigerators frequently consume the most electricity annually compared to other kitchen appliances. Refrigerators are continually operating, so even while they frequently use less energy per hour than many other appliances, their consumption adds up over time.
Note: You can look up the Energy Guide for the model of your refrigerator to get a basic sense of how much energy it needs if you're curious about how much your particular refrigerator uses. Energy.gov also offers excellent step-by-step instructions on more precisely estimating the energy consumption of your home's equipment.
Why ENERGY STAR?
The ENERGY STAR program was introduced by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) in 1992 to encourage energy efficiency. Through technology developments, what started as a technique to lower computer energy usage has grown to include more than 50 product categories.
You may save the most energy and money with an ENERGY STAR certified refrigerator or cooler without giving up the features you want. ENERGY STAR certified models are around 9 percent more energy efficient than refrigerators that comply with the federal minimum energy efficiency standard. Throughout the course of the product's 12-year lifespan, you may save more than $260 by properly recycling your old refrigerator and switching it out for a new, ENERGY STAR certified refrigerator.
High-performance components included in ENERGY STAR certified refrigerators include high-efficiency compressors that use less energy and produce less heat, enhanced insulation that keeps food cool, and temperature and defrost systems that make the refrigerator run more smoothly.
Top 5 Energy Efficient Refrigerators
If you're looking to buy a new energy efficient refrigerator, think about one of our top choices available at Fuse Specialty Appliances.
Best Fisher Paykel Refrigerator: Fisher & Paykel Series 9 10.7 Cu. Ft. Panel Ready Built In Bottom Freezer Refrigerator
The first on the list of top energy efficient refrigerators is this panel ready bottom freezer from Fisher Paykel that can seamlessly blend in with your kitchen cabinetry. Its slim profile is perfect for a smaller kitchen and can easily be paired with additional freezers if you need more storage. This ENERGY STAR certified fridge uses ActiveSmart Foodcare as a clever way to save energy without sacrificing your foods by learning how to use your freezer and adjusting temperature, airflow, and humidity to keep your food fresher for longer. The flexible storage of this model allows you to store, access, and remove food with the hassle of rearranging things to get to what you can, thanks to the LED-lit adjustable shelving in the fridge and full extension bins in the freezer.
Best JennAir Refrigerator: JennAir® 13.0 Cu. Ft. Panel Ready Built In All Refrigerator Column
Energy efficient refrigerators can be stylish, and this panel ready JennAir column refrigerator proves it. Enjoy the daring Obsidian interior with solid glass and metal shelving to store your groceries while illuminating it with ecliptic light that activates when you touch the controls, making it easy to get your late-night snack. Enjoy the greatest system for food preservation, Trinity Cooling, which has three zones and three precise sensors that are calibrated every second. You can conquer humidity levels and adjust the temperature of each zone to your heart's content with the help of an exposed air tower. Also, enjoy the shapeshifter drawers of this ENERGY STAR certified refrigerator that allows users to store anything from fresh produce from the Saturday farmer's market to the best craft beer in town, thanks to the drawer presets.
Best Liebherr Refrigerator: Liebherr 8.7 Cu. Ft. Panel Ready Counter Depth Bottom Freezer Refrigerator
Experience premium quality, cutting-edge design, and innovative features with this German-engineered bottom Liebherr freezer fridge. The latest production techniques, exclusive components, and materials guarantee energy efficiency that'll save you money in the long run and its stellar performance for many years to come. With the NoFrost feature, the freezer compartment won't need to be tediously and slowly defrosted, giving you more time to do other things and save money. The DuoCooling technology uses two entirely different refrigeration circuits to guarantee that no air is exchanged between the fridge and freezer compartments, preventing food from drying out or transferring odors. Also, enjoy features like the InfinitySpring water dispenser, integrated SmartDeviceBox, FreshAir activated charcoal filter and the baking tray that you can easily slide back in when the door is opened at a 90-degree angle.
Best Miele Refrigerator: Miele PerfectCool 8.7 Cu. Ft. Built In Bottom Freezer Refrigerator
This bottom freezer configuration refrigerator from Miele is an excellent choice for energy efficient appliance that doesn't take up too much space with an 8.7 cu. ft. storage capacity. With tons of shelving in the fridge and freezer compartments illuminated by FlexiLight 2.0 individually adjustable glass shelf lighting, this Miele fridge will be an organizer's dream to put away groceries properly in a well-lit refrigerator. The freezer has a plumbed ice maker and a NoFrost function, so your frozen items will no longer get freezer burn. The DynaCool system ensures the temperature is distributed equally inside each compartment so your foods remain fresh or frozen.
Best Thermador Refrigerator: Thermador® Freedom® 13.0 Cu. Ft. Panel Ready Built-In Column Refrigerator
If you have a tiny kitchen or don't buy groceries often, this 13-cu.-ft. column refrigerator from Thermador is the perfect choice when looking for an energy efficient refrigerator. As a part of the fully linked Wi-Fi Freedom Collection, the Home Connect App will allow remote temperature control and notification access for this smart refrigerator. The Cool Air Flow Technology, which also incorporates a water filtration system that removes 99.9 percent of sediments from your drinking water, will cool the entire unit equally. Another great feature is the new open door assist, which makes pushing or pulling open this counter depth refrigerator simple.
Shopping for an Energy-Efficient Refrigerator
If your refrigerator is over 10 years old, switching to a newer one could significantly lower your energy usage. The energy efficiency of refrigerators has significantly increased during the last few years.
An important consideration when buying a new refrigerator is the predicted energy consumption. When shopping, be sure to check the Energy Guide on each model to evaluate the costs you'll probably incur over the course of each year and take it into consideration when making your choice.
The long-term savings from buying an EnergyStar-rated refrigerator come from lower electricity costs and a longer appliance lifespan.
Energy Saving Tips for Your Refrigerator
Upgrade to a new ENERGY STAR refrigerator if you want to significantly increase energy efficiency, but there are plenty of free and inexpensive tricks you can apply to squeeze a little more usage out of the fridge you already have:
✅ Keep it clean. Remove the refrigerator from the wall about every three months and dust the coils on the back of the appliance. If necessary, remove and wash the kickplate from the front of the refrigerator, then use a long, thin duster or brush to clean below. Your refrigerator uses less electricity when it can breathe more easily.
✅ Check your temperature. The ideal refrigerator temperature is 37 degrees Fahrenheit, and the ideal freezer temperature is 0 degrees. You lose electricity if you use cooler settings.
✅ Close the door. Your refrigerator and freezer doors' rubber gaskets are what keep cold air inside. It could be worthwhile to replace the gaskets if you see any chilly air leaking out.
✅ Keep only cool food inside. Let hot leftovers cool on the counter before storing them in the refrigerator. You'll prevent the compressor in your refrigerator from working too hard.
✅ Put it somewhere cool. When the air outside is heated, refrigerators have to work harder to evacuate hot air. A refrigerator should be placed in the coldest part of the kitchen, away from the oven and large, bright windows.
Whether you want to update or just tune your energy usage, you are doing the right thing for your wallet and the environment. Stay cool by acting like your refrigerator.
We have a huge selection of refrigerators that are energy-efficient at Fuse Specialty Appliances from our selection of top-freezer, French door, side-by-side, bottom-freezer, and more refrigerators.
You can choose from a number of our high-end appliance shop sites in South Florida, including those in Naples, North Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, and Miami, and our newest design center, which will open soon in Boca Raton, Florida.
Why Trust Fuse Specialty Appliances?
Fuse Specialty Appliances carries an incredible selection of premium and high-end appliances for your home. With over 30 years of appliance knowledge, our team of experts represents the best and brightest in the industry. Our teams bring decades of experience working with designers, architects, cabinet makers, contractors, and anyone else that is involved in designing and building a dream kitchen. We provide our customers with a unique, boutique-style experience where we get to know your goals for your kitchen. This more connected dynamic helps us ensure that we help you realize your kitchen dreams.
Shop Refrigerators at Fuse Specialty Appliances
Visit one of our 4 South Florida locations to see what a difference shopping locally with an experienced staff can make. Or shop refrigerators online! Our friendly experts are always happy to help you discover your next energy efficient refrigerator — whether you call us, use our online chat feature, or visit us in person.
Learn More: 4 Top Fisher and Paykel Appliances on the Market