I will do what I can to reduce the energy consumption of my refrigerator and replace it if necessary. Fact: A typical refrigerator draws about 500 kWh per year. Compare that to the total annual power consumption of the average person in Nigeria (135 kWh), or Ghana (299 kWh), or Bangladesh (274 kWh). Source
There are some great energy saving tips to get more out of the fridge you already own on this direct energy site. How Much Electricity Does My Refrigerator Use?
Newer models have better insulation, door seals, air circulation and more efficient compressors.
A refrigerator built in the 1970s or 80s may use 4 or 5 times more electricity than a new, high-efficiency one and may cost as much as $200 more per year to run than a new ENERGY STAR® model.
If your old refrigerator requires costly repairs (exceeding a few hundred dollars), then it probably makes sense to replace it with an energy-efficient model.
When shopping for a new refrigerator consider: An oversized refrigerator will waste energy and space. The most efficient refrigerator designs usually have the freezer compartment on the bottom; least efficient are usually side-by-side models.
Learn how to read the EnerGuide label for a refrigerator. – Here The Energuide label alone is no guarantee of efficiency. Look for the blue ENERGY STAR® certification symbol. (used in Canada and the US)
Be sure that your old fridge is properly recycled and research the seller and the manufacturer of your new fridge to make sure they are environmentally responsible and sustainable companies.
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