In most households, the refrigerator is the single biggest energy consuming kitchen appliance. Replacing a refrigerator bought in 1990 with a new ENERGY STAR® qualified model would save enough energy to light the average household for nearly four months.
Keep these tips in mind when purchasing a new refrigerator:
- Look for an ENERGY STAR model.
- Receive a $50 rebate from REA when you choose an ENERGY STAR model - $25 for an ENERGY STAR freezer.
- Purchase an appropriate-sized refrigerator for your needs. The larger the refrigerator model, the greater the energy consumption. The most energy-efficient refrigerator models are typically 16-20 cubic feet.
- Consider buying a refrigerator model with a top freezer. Top freezer models use 10-25% less energy than side-by-side models.
- ENERGY STAR qualified refrigerator models use high efficiency compressors, improved insulation, and more precise temperature and defrost mechanisms to improve energy efficiency.
- ENERGY STAR qualified refrigerator models use at least 15% less energy than required by current federal standards and 40% less energy than the conventional models sold in 2001.
- Recycle older or second refrigerators and receive an additional $25 rebate. Recycling information is listed below.
You may also be interested to know that you can reduce the amount of energy your refrigerator or freezer uses, whether with a standard or an ENERGY STAR qualified model:
- Position your refrigerator away from a heat source such as an oven, a dishwasher, or direct sunlight from a window.
- To allow air to circulate around the condenser coils, leave a space between the wall or cabinets and the refrigerator or freezer and keep the coils clean.
- Make sure the door seals are airtight.
- Keep your refrigerator between 35 and 38 degrees Fahrenheit and your freezer at 0 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Minimize the amount of time the refrigerator door is open.
- Recycle older or second refrigerators.
The following businesses recycle refrigerators:
Alexandria -
Jack’s Family Recycling (320) 762-5040
Alex Rubbish (320) 763-4712
Morris -
Engebretson & Sons Recycling (320) 589-3804
Browerville -
Todd County Solid Waste (218) 594-2110
Glenwood -
Tom Kraemer Recycling (320) 634-5668
(some retailers recycle refrigerators as well)
Why recycle your old refrigerator?
If your refrigerator is at least 10 years old,
it uses as much electricity as two
Energy Star® labeled refrigerators!
