8 Refrigerator Buying Tips
I recently replaced my 15 year old refrigerator with a new energy star rates refrigerator. This new Energy Star rated refrigerator will cost me less that $40.00 per year to run.
One of their biggest energy hogs in your home is your refrigerator. Refrigerators use up to 14 – percent of the household energy. If your refrigerator is over eight years old you should consider replacing it with a newer energy savings model.
Before buying a new refrigerator consider these tips in your research:
1. Energy Star Models: Buying a refrigerator that has an Energy Star rating will save you $35 to $745 dollars per year. Over the life of the refrigerator a=that is a $ 1000 savings.
2. Efficiency: Research shows that refrigerators sized at 16 to 20 cubic feet with a top of bottom freezer are the most efficient.
To research a refrigerators efficiency go to the consumers Guide To Home Energy Savings[ acee.org]
3. Ice Makers: Refrigerator models with automatic ice makers use 14 to 20% of the units energy.
4. Recycle: Buy a new refrigerator from a retail company that will recycle your old unit.
5. Make sure your new refrigerator will fit into your existing space.
6. choose the features that best suit your needs.
7. General rule:two people need 10 cubic feet of refrigerator space, not including freezer space. Add 1 1/2 more cubic feet per additional family member.
8. Most refrigerators are 28 to 34 inches deep, so they protrude a few inches from cabinets and counter tops, which are 24 inches deep. The helps the refrigerator doors from bumping the counter top or cabinets when they open.