Energy Factors to Consider When Buying a New Refrigerator
In the typical household, the refrigerator accounts for the highest amount of energy consumption by any appliance over the course of a year at about 14 percent of the total spent on utility bills. The only exception is found in households that run air conditioners for extended periods of the day, with a yearly expenditure that averages about a half percentage point higher in terms of the total energy bill for the home.
For this reason, it makes sense to consider a variety of factors relating to energy consumption when shopping for a new refrigerator. These factors include:
€ The higher energy efficiency of ENERGY STAR refrigerators - To receive certification from ENERGY STAR, a refrigerator must be 20 percent more energy efficient than the federal benchmark which, at this level, represents a savings of approximately $25 per year versus comparable non-certified models. Over a 15 year life, the sum of energy savings would equal about $375.
€ Look for more energy savings within the ENERGY STAR category - Refrigerators within the ENERGY STAR category can have higher energy efficiencies versus the federal benchmark, which are signified by CEE ratings. For example, refrigerators that are 30 percent more efficient than the federal standard are granted a CEE rating of €Tier III€, which represents additional savings of approximately $10 per year. The purchase of ENERGY STAR and CEE rated appliances can include rebates depending on the availability of local programs, which can increase savings as well.
€ Side-by-side refrigerator models consume more energy - A side by side configuration uses 10 to 15 percent more energy than having the freezer on the top of the refrigerator or at the bottom of the unit. The additional energy usage may be compensated for to a degree by the shorter swing radius of side-by-side doors, which may be called for in narrow or galley-style kitchens.
€ Check to see how the addition of an ice-maker/water dispenser will affect energy usage - Depending on the study, the addition of these features can increase energy consumption by 20 to 50 percent. While these features are extremely convenient, check the EnergyGuide label to determine how much money these conveniences will cost over the life of the refrigerator.
Refrigerators are energy-intensive appliances. By taking the above-mentioned energy factors into consideration during the shopping process, you can define the models that will work best in your kitchen while also maximizing the savings on your energy bills over the life of your new refrigerator.
For this reason, it makes sense to consider a variety of factors relating to energy consumption when shopping for a new refrigerator. These factors include:
€ The higher energy efficiency of ENERGY STAR refrigerators - To receive certification from ENERGY STAR, a refrigerator must be 20 percent more energy efficient than the federal benchmark which, at this level, represents a savings of approximately $25 per year versus comparable non-certified models. Over a 15 year life, the sum of energy savings would equal about $375.
€ Look for more energy savings within the ENERGY STAR category - Refrigerators within the ENERGY STAR category can have higher energy efficiencies versus the federal benchmark, which are signified by CEE ratings. For example, refrigerators that are 30 percent more efficient than the federal standard are granted a CEE rating of €Tier III€, which represents additional savings of approximately $10 per year. The purchase of ENERGY STAR and CEE rated appliances can include rebates depending on the availability of local programs, which can increase savings as well.
€ Side-by-side refrigerator models consume more energy - A side by side configuration uses 10 to 15 percent more energy than having the freezer on the top of the refrigerator or at the bottom of the unit. The additional energy usage may be compensated for to a degree by the shorter swing radius of side-by-side doors, which may be called for in narrow or galley-style kitchens.
€ Check to see how the addition of an ice-maker/water dispenser will affect energy usage - Depending on the study, the addition of these features can increase energy consumption by 20 to 50 percent. While these features are extremely convenient, check the EnergyGuide label to determine how much money these conveniences will cost over the life of the refrigerator.
Refrigerators are energy-intensive appliances. By taking the above-mentioned energy factors into consideration during the shopping process, you can define the models that will work best in your kitchen while also maximizing the savings on your energy bills over the life of your new refrigerator.
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