The Truth About Those Old Refrigerators

If you know that a 20-year-old refrigerator uses 40% more electricity than a current model, will you quickly replace it? I guess if you have one, you will be running straight to the nearest store for a replacement.

An old, inefficient refrigerator can cost up to $280 a year to run; a new, efficient refrigerator can save more than $150 each year over a 20-year-old model. While the savings will be less if you are replacing a newer refrigerator, it still will save between $35 and $70 per year. Calculating for a 15-year period for a typical lifespan of a refrigerator, that’s $525 to $1,050.

Refrigerators account for about one-sixth of the typical electric bill for an American home and 9% of the total energy used in manufactured homes.

You should consider replacing your refrigerator if:

• The one you have now is more than 15 years old.
  
  
• Your refrigerator is not keeping food cold or is especially noisy.

When you are ready to buy a new refrigerator, here are some things to consider:

• Refrigerators have an EnergyGuide label that tells you how much electricity they use based on standard test conditions. Pick one with a low annual energy cost. The smaller the number of kilowatt hours (kWh), the less it will cost to operate. The triangular-shaped arrow should be to the left-of-center on the energy-use line.
  
  
• Look for ENERGY STAR qualified models, which carry the ENERGY STAR logo on the product or the box. These models are among the most energy-efficient units sold.
  
  
• Check with your local energy utility to see if they offer rebates on new energy-efficient models, or recycling incentives and disposal programs for older models. Contact your local municipal solid waste agency to make arrangements for disposal.
  
  
• Refrigerator-freezers that have the freezer compartment on the top or the bottom are generally more energy efficient than side-by-side models of a similar size.
  
  
• Through-the-wall ice makers use a lot of energy.
  
  
• A refrigerator that is bigger than you need can waste energy and space. One that is smaller than you need can mean extra driving for groceries. Carefully consider what size is best for you. A full refrigerator uses less energy than an empty one.

The investment you make from replacing an old refrigerator will quickly pay you back in reduced energy bills.

Thomas Yoon specializes in cartoon illustrations that will make an impact on people's opinions. Subscribe to TechMarketing Ezine. More information on engineering at Marine and M & E Engineer.