Energy Star Rating for Refrigerators

Energy Star refrigerators use less energy than traditional models.

The ENERGY STAR program was started in America under the direction of the United States Department of Energy. The purpose of this program is to reduce energy use on a wide variety of products, including electronics, lighting, roofing, and heating and cooling systems. Kitchen appliances, including refrigerators, are branded with the ENERGY STAR logo, if they meet federal guidelines for energy efficiency.

Benefits

ENERGY STAR rated refrigerators use at least 20 percent less energy than non-qualified models. This energy savings result in significant cost reduction, allowing the consumer to save considerable amounts of money over the lifetime of the refrigerator. In addition, this energy savings reduces dependence upon fossil fuels, such as coal, helping to create a cleaner environment. The U.S. Department of Energy states that reduction in the use of these fossil fuels helps prevent global warming.

Features

ENERGY STAR refrigerators feature increased insulation, allowing less cool air to escape from the unit. In addition, improvements in compressor technology allow for quiet operation, while offering significant reduction in energy use. Top freezers offer energy savings of 10 to 25 percent, as compared to side or bottom freezers. According to ENERGY STAR, refrigerators that make ice and have water dispensers can further increase energy usage by up to 20 percent.

Considerations

Every year, refrigeration units become more energy efficient. Replacing an outdated refrigerator can result in considerable annual savings. Refrigerators manufactured in the 1980’s typically cost more than $100 extra dollars to operate annually; while those from the 1970’s add $200 extra dollars a year onto your electrical bill. When shopping for a new refrigerator, the difference between an ENERGY STAR approved model and a regular model can result in a savings of $165 throughout the life of the unit.

Identification

All refrigerators sold in stores throughout the United States feature a yellow EnergyGuide label that shows the estimated energy in kilowatts the unit will consume annually, as well as the estimated operating cost. ENERGY STAR refrigerators feature a square black logo with white lettering in the bottom right corner of the EnergyGuide label. This logo has the words “energy” written in cursive with a star at the end.

Types

Any model of refrigerator that utilizes 20 percent less energy than bare minimum federal guidelines receives ENERGY STAR approval. For this reason, almost any type of refrigerator, even if it has a bottom freezer or takes the form of a side to side unit, can be purchased with ENERGY STAR compliance. Smaller units, as well as those with top freezers, typically use less energy, allowing for a wider selection and better prices if you are shopping for an ENERGY STAR refrigerator.

References

• Federal Trade Commission: Energy Guidance: Applicance Shopping With the EnergyGuide Label
• Energy Star: About Energy Star Refrigerators