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Most Energy Efficient Refrigerator – Buyers Guide

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I recently inherited my grandma’s fridge, and while it still works perfectly fine, I wondered about the energy efficiency of this old heavy appliance.

Should I keep it for sentimental value or send it off to be recycled? After researching the most energy-efficient refrigerator, I decided to recycle it and get a new one.

In a Hurry? Check out my Top 3 Choices Below

The most energy-efficient refrigerator is a modern A+++ refrigerator or freezer. Here are my choices for the 3 most energy efficient fridge:-

Are you wondering how a fridge like that could save you money?

Then please read further where I list the best energy efficient fridge and the ways to select the most efficient one.

If you’d like to see the relative cost of running a refrigerator you can check out the calculator below. Simply enter 24 hrs in the ‘Hours Used Per Day’ and then enter the wattage of your chosen appliance and the cost per kWh for electricity.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Statistics, the U.S. average cost of electricity is currently $0.168 per kWh.

Refrigerator – Energy Cost Calculator






1. LG LTCS20020S Top Freezer Refrigerator

It got awarded the Energy Star Most Efficient designation since it runs at a low whispering level to qualify as the best energy saving fridge.

In addition to the two shelves, two crisper bins for humidity, two gallon-sized bins on the refrigerator door, and one shelf for frozen foods, this refrigerator also has a freezer.

  • Size: 20.2 cubic feet 
  • Weight: 202 pounds 
  • Warranty: 1 year (parts and labor) 
  • Annual Energy Use: 430kWh/year
  • Dimensions 29.75 x 66.12 x 33.37 inch

2. LG LMXS28596S Smart wi-fi Enabled InstaView™ Refrigerator

The LG energy-efficient refrigerator is the InstaView Door-in-Door Refrigerator. Use SmartThinq Technology to control some of the refrigerator’s features.

In addition, the refrigerator is compatible with Amazon’s Alexa and Google Assistant. There is also an external water dispenser on this refrigerator. 

  • Size: 28 cubic feet
  • Weight: 322 pounds
  • Warranty: 1 year (parts and labor)
  • Annual Energy Use: 760 kWh/year
  • Dimensions: 35.75 x 69.75 x 36.25 inches

3. Monochromatic Stainless Steel Whirlpool Refrigerator

The Whirlpool side-by-side energy-efficient refrigerators includes everything one needs in a fridge and more.

Humidity control and a humidity-controlled crisper drawer are among the operational features.

  • Size: 21.4 cubic feet
  • Weight: 242.5 pounds
  • Warranty: 1 year limited
  • Annual Energy Use: 602 kWh/year
  • Dimensions 32.75 x 66.63 x 33.63 inches

What Does The Energy Star Rating Mean 

An ENERGY STAR-certified energy efficient fridge has high-performance features like high-efficiency compressors that generate less heat and energy.

They also have improved insulation that keeps food colder, and temperature and defrost mechanisms that help the refrigerator run more efficiently.

In 1992, the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) launched the Energy Star program to promote energy conservation.

What began as a way to reduce computer energy consumption has expanded to more than 50 product categories to conserve energy through technological advancements.

Energy Star got created as a voluntary program to promote energy-saving innovations by providing consumers with unbiased product information.

For example, a certified ENERGY STAR refrigerator or cooler can reduce energy and save money while keeping the desired features. 

ENERGY STAR-certified refrigerators use about 9% less energy than models that meet the federal minimum energy efficiency standard.

In addition, owners can save over $220 over the product’s 12-year lifespan by recycling an old refrigerator and replacing it with an ENERGY STAR-certified refrigerator. 

What Is An Energy Guide Label, And How Do You Read It?

Appliances with the FTC’s Energy Guide mark, a yellow sticker, may be found on most devices, including Refrigerators.

Find the appliance Energy Guide label inside the refrigerator or go to the manufacturer’s website.

Using the Energy Guide label, it is easy to estimate the appliance’s annual energy costs based on typical consumption and compare the appliance’s energy use to other models.

Check the energy guide label for type and size information to ensure comparable model testing.

For example, the yellow label compares fridges using the same tests to see how well a particular model performs in energy efficiency compared to others. 

The cost of running a refrigerator will vary depending on the area’s electricity rate. However, paying more upfront for an energy-efficient appliance will save long-term costs.

As a rule of thumb, lesser is better regarding appliance consumption; for appliances such as refrigerators, the number is a measure of consumption and is not an indication of efficiency: the lower the number, the better.

Refrigerators, freezers, laundry washers, and dishwashers are all Energy Guide-labeled equipment. Reduced reliance on natural resources and improved air quality are two additional benefits of improving energy efficiency. 

Is An A+++ Refrigerator Worth Buying?

Since they must run continuously, 365 days a year, refrigerators and freezers consume a lot of electricity.

Many, like me, are trying to reduce their carbon footprints, but I also want to keep my family’s costs down.

Having a clear understanding when purchasing large household appliances is nice. There are numerous benefits to buying the most efficient refrigerator possible.

Even though an A+++ refrigerator initially costs a bit more, it is worthwhile. 

Over the years, media has taught me the dangers of using too much energy. So for two valid reasons, energy ratings are a matter of concern. 

  • The cost of running appliances every month 

  • The quantity of energy consumed without negatively impacting the environment

Studies reveal that fridges account for about 7% of the typical energy cost.

Therefore, the monthly electricity bill can significantly decrease when upgrading to the most efficient refrigerator.

In addition, the indicators on the energy efficiency label make comparing appliances much simpler. 

The energy consumption, shown in kWh/year, is also provided on energy efficiency labels. This number can determine how much it will cost to operate a specific device in US dollars.

In addition, an EU energy label is now obligatory for all appliances. 

This sticker reveals the appliance’s energy usage and makes comparing models simpler.

For example, ratings for refrigerators, freezers, and energy saving fridge freezers range from A+++ to G, where G represents the least efficient model.

The energy label will also show the yearly consumption amount in kWh. 

The cost of operating the refrigerator or freezer will decrease as the number decreases. An A+ model uses as much as 20% less energy than the equivalent A-rated models.

Their range of super-efficient models with A++ ratings uses up to 40% less energy than a comparable A-rated model.

Are Bottom or Top Refrigerators More Energy-Efficient? 

Users must consider a new fridge’s price and storage capacity to make an informed purchase. However, there is a slew of other considerations like the freezer’s positioning. 

Most households have a top freezer, so I’m used to it. However, manufacturers have changed refrigerators such that the freezer section is now at the bottom, like a drawer, making it easier to find and reach the food.

When it comes to freezers, do you prefer bottom or top-mounted models?

Even though a plethora of variables can affect a refrigerator’s energy efficiency, paying attention to where the freezer compartment got positioned will help save money.

In addition, those looking to lessen their environmental impact can benefit from top freezers.

According to the Department of Energy’s findings, refrigerators with top freezers consume 10% to 25% less energy than those with bottom freezers. 

Do Old Refrigerators Last Longer?

I have heard many say they don’t make them like they used to, and when it comes to refrigerators, I feel that rings very true.

I was faced with this question when I got my gran’s fridge. Today there are only four major appliance manufacturers worldwide, down from a dozen or more in the past. 

As a result of company competition, many appliances would last for decades before needing service or replacement.

Today, however, the main competitors are Whirlpool and Electrolux, which eventually acquired all the competition. In almost every way, less competition is detrimental to consumers. 

It’s easier for them to keep appliances and parts overpriced and standards low. Because they own all the brands, they can have several factories producing low-quality machines without affecting their overall brand.

As a result, the quality of parts has steadily declined over the last 10-15 years. 

If a person hires someone to come out and diagnose the problem, they will discover that the part will usually cost a lot of money and that the labor cost is in addition to the parts.

When people realize this, they typically replace the fridge instead of fixing their old one. 

Maybe this approach could be a good thing for the environment when consumers buy a higher efficiency-rated refrigerator. What do you think?

Do Old Refrigerators Use More Power?

Yes, the older the refrigerator, the more energy it consumes. Older models are incredibly inefficient, but even a 10-year-old model will consume more power than a new model. 

Insulation, motors, magnetic door seals, and compressors have all improved and become more efficient over time.

As a result, a new, Energy Star-rated refrigerator will use significantly less energy than an equal-sized refrigerator ten years or older.

Can I Reduce The Refrigerators Electricity Consumption?

Since a refrigerator is a house’s most energy-intensive piece of equipment, conserving energy is good for the environment and the pocket. These are some things to make a fridge work smarter:

  • Save on monthly bills by upgrading the refrigerator to a more energy-efficient model if it’s over 15 years old. The fridge will pay for itself within a few years, thanks to reduced energy use.

  • The position or location of the fridge can impact how hard it must work. I understand that moving a refrigerator around in a kitchen is not always possible.

    First, ensure it is as far from heat-radiating sources like ovens as possible. Also, move it out of direct sunlight.

    Finally, provide at least 2 inches of free space at the back, the top, and around the sides of the fridge for ventilation. 

  • Keep the fridge door closed. Whenever I open the refrigerator door and stand there wondering what I can eat, cold air escapes and warm ambient air enters.

    When the internal temperature rise, the refrigerator must use energy to bring the temperature back down. So always avoid opening the door unnecessarily and for too long.

  • It will help if the fridge is better organized to find things easier. For example, I spend less time searching through the refrigerator and freezer contents if it is clean and well-organized.

    In addition, an organized fridge will help me close the door quicker.

  • Finally, this might seem obvious but only place cold food in the refrigerator.

    Please don’t put anything hot in there because it will raise the temperature of the other food. Before storing hot food in the fridge, allow it to cool to room temperature.

Conclusion

Regarding energy efficiency, consumers can count on high-performance components like high-efficiency compressors, better insulation, and temperature and defrost mechanisms found in an ENERGY STAR-certified energy efficient fridge. 

It’s much easier to compare appliances now that they all have energy efficiency indicators on their labels.

Replacing an old refrigerator with a more energy-efficient model is the most straightforward approach to minimizing energy consumption if it is older than 15 years.