Energyguide Helps You Find The Right Refrigerator

Q. We are remodeling our kitchen and want to replace our 18-year-old refrigerator. The choices are overwhelming. We want to buy an energy-efficient model. What features should we look for? What can you tell us about this new “superefficient” refrigerator appearing in the market now?

A. The energy efficiency of refrigerators has improved tremendously. For example, a typical 18 cubic foot refrigerator made 20 years ago and still in use requires 1500 to 1800 kilowatt-hours annually, which translates into about $75 to $90 per year (based on average electric cost of 5 cents per kilowatt-hour). In comparison, an average top-freezer model today consumes about 800 kilowatt-hours per year, an energy cost of $40 per year.

Refrigerators manufactured today must meet federal energy efficiency standards, but efficiency varies from model to model. Keeping energy in mind when buying a refrigerator, and operating it efficiently will reduce the energy cost of your refrigerator. After all, our third-largest use of energy in the house is for refrigerators. Space heating and hot water are the first and second.

When shopping for a new refrigerator, use the EnergyGuide label. It’s found on the outside of all new refrigerators and freezers and allows you to compare costs and energy use of comparable models. EnergyGuide labels appear on the exterior of most appliances, including refrigerators, freezers, water heaters, clothes washers, dishwashers and other appliances.

In addition, consider the following factors that affect the energy use of a refrigerator:

Location. For efficient operation, the refrigerator should be placed away from heat sources such as the oven, dishwasher, direct sunlight, or heating registers. Allow at least one inch of space on each side and top of the refrigerator. This provides good air circulation which keeps the coils cool, reducing energy use. Since you are remodeling the kitchen, you have an opportunity to plan a good location.

Size. Select a size that best fits your lifestyle. If the refrigerator is too big, it will wastes energy by refrigerating too much empty space. Yet one too small means overcrowding, and decreases efficiency. Here are few things to consider when sizing your refrigerator:

1. What’s the size of your household? Is it growing or shrinking? What are the ages and eating habits of household? How often do you grocery shop? How often do you entertain? Do you prepare food for several days in advance? You also can measure your current refrigerator and use your experience to judge whether you need a larger or a smaller unit

2. Design. Top freezer models are more energy-efficient than side by side or bottom-freezer models. Side by side models have full-length doors that release a great deal of cool air when opened. Top freezer models are less expensive and cost less to operate.

3. Method of defrosting. There are three basic defrosting methods available: manual defrost, partially automatic defrost, and automatic defrost. Manual defrost and partial automatic defrost refrigerators are more economical to operate but require you to defrost the freezer compartment. Automatic-defrost or frost-free models use 20 to 40 percent more energy than manual models. These units have electric resistance elements which periodically heat and melt the ice. This process requires electricity, and generates heat in the cabinet that the refrigerator must remove.

4. Luxury Features. Units with luxury features, such as an automatic ice maker and a through-the-door ice and water dispenser can increase the energy use by 20 percent. These features also require electricity and generate additional heat internally, which the refrigerator must remove.

Super Energy Efficient Refrigerator. The superefficient refrigerator you are referring to is a 22 cubic foot side-by-side model produced by Whirlpool. The refrigerator is chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) free and is 25 percent more energy-efficient than the comparable 1993 models. CFCs are identified as greenhouse gases and also cause ozone depletion.

Last year, Whirlpool won the Super Efficient Refrigerator Program contest, which was sponsored by 24 public and private utilities nationwide to encourage appliance manufacturers to develop a CFC-free and energy efficient refrigerator.

For a list of the most energy efficient refrigerators, call our Energy Hotline at (800) 962-9731 or 324-7980 (in Spokane).

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The following fields overflowed: BYLINE = Amy Mickelson Washington State Energy Office Loossik Kearsley assisted with the writing of this column.