Refrigerators
Of all household appliances, the refrigerator is the king when it comes to energy consumption. Even so, the amount of energy used by refrigerators has decreased by 50 per cent over the last 20 years. Natural Resource Canada attributes this decrease to better insulation, compressors and seals on modern fridges. If you have an old fridge kicking around, it is probably cost-effective to replace it and take advantage of the Ontario Power Authority’s (OPA’s) free disposal program.
When refrigerator shopping, make sure you check for energy saving features such as independent temperature controls for the fridge and freezer compart¬ments. Also, look for a fridge that has an energy-saver mode.
Beware that some fancy features can add to, rather than decrease, your energy costs. For example, ice-makers and water dispensers add an additional cost that will show up on your bills. Also keep in mind that it is more efficient to run one large fridge rather than two small ones.
Did you know that an empty fridge uses more energy than a full one? Be-fore heading off on vacation, try putting water-filled jugs in empty compartments. This improves your fridge’s energy efficiency and can also work as a stop gap method to protect the food in your freezer during a power outage. Another operating efficiency tip is to ensure that your fridge is not too tightly packed, as this stops the circulation of air and creates pockets of warm air in your cooling system.
The age old question is whether you should invest in a side-by-side or top-and-bottom fridge model. The coldest part of your fridge is normally found at the bottom, and this would suggest freezer on the bottom is ideal. However, as Dr. James Gray-Donald from Sears Canada pointed out, the difference is fairly negligible. His best advice is to buy an Energy Star fridge that fits your needs and is set to an appropriate temperature. He also points out that the compressor coils at the back of your fridge should to be cleaned or dusted every year.
Maytag® EcoConserve™ Bottom Mount
Nov 2011
This bottom drawer refrigerator gives you the option to adjust the temperature in both the fridge and freezer sections. All of Maytag’s EcoConserve models exceed the Energy Star qualifications by 10 per cent. Whirpool’s 2005 acquisition of Maytag has led to a switch from gas-powered to electric trucks and forklifts in distribution and manufacturing.
GE 22.8 Cu. Ft. Energy Star Bottom-Freezer Refrigerator with Pull-out Drawer
Nov 2011
This large capacity bottom drawer refrigerator contains GE’s FrostGuard™ technology which senses when the freezer door is open and only defrosts when necessary. This feature prolongs the life of the fridge, while decreasing your energy bills. GE has been retrofitting its refrigerator manufacturing plants to use a less toxic blowing agent called “cyclopentane” as insulation.
LG 20 Cu. Ft Bottom Mount Refrigerator, White
Nov 2011
This economical appliance uses accurate digital temperature controls for the fridge and freezer. Like GE, LG also uses cyclopentane as an eco-friendly method for blowing insulation. A great feature is the built-in door alarm that sounds when the fridge door is left open for more than a minute. GE performs life cycle analysis on their More >
GE 20 Cu. ft. Top Freezer No-Frost RefrigeratorRefrigerator
Nov 2011
At just 403 kWh/year, this economical GE model also has a very low EnerGuide rating. Non-frost technology works to prolong the life of the appliance by automatically defrosting the coils to reduce ice buildup. GE collects and recycles 90 per cent of old refrigerators, working alongside Appliance Recycling Centers of America to recycle not only More >
Whirpool® ENERGY STAR® Qualified Top-Freezer Refrigerator
Nov 2011
htThis appliance uses the least amount of energy of all those listed in the Green Appliance Guide, consuming only 364 kWh/year. It is no surprise that Whirlpool was recognized as the 2011 Energy Star Manufacturer of the Year. This award was not the first, but rather the eighth won by Whirlpool, during the ten years More >
LG 22 Cu. ft. Bottom Mount Refrigerator, Stainless
Nov 2011
This higher end LG model has all the bells and whistles when it comes to energy efficiency features. The door alarm works to ensure fluctuations in temperature are minimized. In addition, the fridge has digital temperature controls that are both functional and efficient. This is a large capacity fridge that uses cyclopentene during the manufacturing More >
