What Are The Most Energy Efficient Refrigerators?

Anyone who is thinking about greening up their kitchen should start by looking at energy efficient refrigerators.  In fact, the refrigerator is the single biggest energy consumer of all your appliances and replacing your old, rickety fridge with a new more energy-efficient model will not only help save the environment but it will save you money on your utility bills as well.

The most efficient refrigerators are qualified by Energy Star.  So when you’re shopping for a fridge, you want to look for the Energy Star designation.  These refrigerators use 20% less energy then is required by federal standards.  Today’s refrigerators actually use about 40% less energy than the ones made only seven years ago.

So, what are the most energy-efficient refrigerators?

While basically, you can buy any model that is Energy Star compliant.  Models that have the freezer on the top or on the bottom will be more energy efficient than the side by sides.  Also automatic ice makers increase energy use so you might want to look for model that doesn’t have one of these.

Some top freezer models that are energy efficient include the Frigidaire FRT21HC5D, the whirlpool ET9FHTXM and  the Maytag MTB1953  for under $800.  The top end refrigerators include KitchenAid KTLA22EM and the  Sun Frost R-16  which will set you back a cool $2,807.00

if you’re looking for a refrigerator with a bottom freezer, then you might consider the Kenmore 6523 or the Maytag MBF2254HE.  If you have money to burn and check out the Liebherr CS1350.

If you simply must have a side-by-side in the least expensive energy-efficient model is the whirlpool ED2FHEXN.  Other models might consider include the GE GSH22VGR and Kenmore 4455.

Here are some tips on making your refrigerator even more energy-efficient:

Keep the fridge thermostat set between 35 and 38°F in the freezer temp set at 0°

Don’t stand in front of the refrigerator and leave the door open while you are deciding what to eat,  have a plan before you get to the fridge, grab the food and shut the door.

Make sure your fridge isn’t next to the oven or indirect sunlight or next to your heater.  You don’t want it to have to battle extra heating.

Make sure that air can circulate around the condenser coils so that they can work properly.  In order to do this you want to leave a space between the refrigerator and your cabinets and walls.