Cool Savings
Refrigerators and freezers are two of the most significant energy-consuming appliances in your home.
They have come a long way, and improvements in their design — better insulation, tighter door seals, and improved compressors and cooling coils — means that a ten-year-old refrigerator or freezer can cost considerably more to operate than the new energy-efficient models of the same size.
Compare how much energy a pre-1988 model uses as opposed to a post-1998 model:
Top Freezer Model Refrigerator Automatic Defrost Energy Use Comparison |
Size | Average Annual kWh Usage Typical 1998 Model | Average Annual kWh Usage Typical Pre-1988 Model |
14 - 16 cubic ft. | 650 | 1200 |
16 - 18 cubic ft. | 700 | 1350 |
18 - 20 cubic ft. | 740 | 1500 |
20 - 22 cubic ft. | 750 | 1600 |
Considering the savings in energy costs, a new refrigerator will pay for itself in just a few years. In the meantime, here are some suggestions for improving your current refrigerator's and freezer's performance and efficiency.
Refrigerators
- Unplug unnecessary refrigerators.
- Check door seals, they can deteriorate over time.
- Check the temperature. It should be 4° C (39° F).
- Unplug the refrigerator and clean the dust from the back or bottom coils twice a year. Make sure there is at least 8 cm (3 inches) of air space between the back of the refrigerator and the wall, and at least 2.5 cm (1 inch) on both sides to allow for good air circulation.
- Defrost regularly. At least twice a year for partial automatic defrost refrigerators.
- Allow hot foods and left over meals to cool to room temperature before putting in the refrigerator.
- Keep the refrigerator door closed.
- Don't put your refrigerator or freezer near heat vents, sunlight or the oven.
Freezers
- Chest or top-loading freezers are about 25 percent more efficient that upright freezers.
- Remove or unplug unnecessary freezers.
- Check door seals, they can deteriorate over time.
- The temperature inside your freezer should be -18° C (0° F). Keeping temperatures just 5° C (9° F) below recommended temperatures can increase energy use by as much as 25 percent.
- Defrost regularly. At least twice a year for manual and partial automatic defrost freezers.
- Full freezers operate more efficiently. If your freezer isn't full, fill plastic containers with water and freeze them.
- Keep the door closed.
Energy Use Comparison of Upright and Chest Freezers |
Size | Chest Freezer Average Annual kWh | Upright Freezer Average Annual kWh |
7 Cubic Feet | 290 | 400 |
12 Cubic Feet | 400 | 600 |
15 Cubic Feet | 440 | 750 |
20 Cubic Feet | 530 | 900 |