How Much Electricity Does an Energy Star Refrigerator Use?

An Energy Star refrigerator saves electricity

The Energy Star program lists products, such as refrigerators, that save energy. Because 70 percent of electricity is produced by coal and natural gas, lower electricity use by Energy Star products can result in significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.

Energy Savings

Energy Star refrigerators must use at least 20 percent less energy than similar model refrigerators that are not Energy Star.

Compared with Old Refrigerators

A refrigerator from the 1970s uses four times the amount of electricity of an average Energy Star refrigerator made in 2009.

EnergyGuide Label

Each new refrigerator has a yellow EnergyGuide label, which shows the estimated annual operating cost and electricity use for that model. It also shows the range of electricity costs for models with similar features. The Energy Star logo is on the EnergyGuide label for models that meet the requirements.

Calculator

Energy Star provides a calculator on the website where you can plug in the year and model of your refrigerator and determine the energy and cost savings from purchasing an Energy Star refrigerator. See resources.

Other Considerations

Models with freezers on top use 10 to 15 percent less electricity than other designs. Models with automatic ice makers and water dispensers in the door use 14 to 20 percent more electricity.

References

• U.S. Department of Energy: Energy Savings Are Just the Beginning
• U.S. Department of Energy: Buyers Guide

Resources

• U.S. Department of Energy: Refrigerator Retirement Savings Calculator
• Federal Trade Commission: Energy Guidance: Appliance Shopping With the EnergyGuide Label