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Definitions for Refrigerator and Freezer product listing column headers

Brand and Model

The brand and manufacturer model number identify a particular refrigerator. Retailers can identify products they stock using the brand and manufacturer model number. Some retailers and manufacturers may also identify models with a trade name or SKU which is different from the brand or manufacturer model number. However, you should be able to find the manufacturer model number on any unit.

Model numbers often contain wildcard characters, such as *, #, and X, that are placeholders for non-energy attributes, such as color.

Volume (ft3)

This number is the interior volume of the refrigerator or freezer. It is the total volume of the refrigerator and freezer compartments.

Adjusted Volume (ft3)

The sum of the fresh food compartment volume and the product of an adjustment factor and the net freezer compartment volume in cubic feet. It's used to determine the federal energy conservation standards for refrigerators and freezers. Refrigerator Adjusted Volume = Fresh Volume + (1.63 x Freezer Volume). Freezer Adjusted Volume = 1.73 x Freezer Volume.

Configuration

This column shows the configuration of the refrigerator or freezer. The basic types are as follows:

  • TF: Top Freezer
  • BF: Bottom Freezer
  • SS: Side-by-Side
  • SD: Refrigerator only - single door
  • SR: Refrigerator/Freezer - single door
  • UF: Upright Freezer
  • CF: Chest Freezer

Defrost Type

Refers to the defrost function. Automatic, manual and partial defrost are the standard defrost types.

Compact

Refers to refrigerators, refrigerator-freezers, and freezers with a total volume of less than 7.75 cubic feet and 36 inches or less in height.

Ice?

This column indicates whether or not the model has the through-the-door ice feature. This field does not indicate whether or not the model has an ice maker. Please contact the manufacturer directly to determine if a model has an ice maker.

KWH/Year

This number is the estimated annual energy use in kilowatt hours of the refrigerator or freezer under typical conditions. Your actual energy consumption will vary depending on how you use your refrigerator, such as frequency of opening and closing, surrounding room temperature, and how full the unit is kept. This figure is calculated according to U.S. Department of Energy test procedures.

NAECA Std. (Federal Standard)

This column shows the federal standard for energy consumption in kWh/year required of a refrigerator or freezer of that particular volume and configuration. The National Appliance Energy Conservation Act (NAECA) dictates the minimum standards for energy consumption in refrigerators and freezers. The standard varies depending on the size and configuration of the refrigerator. View the NAECA standards for refrigerators and freezers Excel icon.

% Less Energy

This column shows how much less energy the model uses compared to the 2001 NAECA (federal) standard. The ENERGY STAR qualification levels depend on the size and type of refrigerator or freezer.

  • Qualified refrigerators must use at least 15 percent less energy
  • Qualified freezers must use at least 10 percent less energy.
  • Qualified compact refrigerators and freezers must use at least 20 percent less energy.

Calculate the Federal Standard (NAECA) and the ENERGY STAR criteria for refrigerators and freezers Excel icon

Active Column

Models that appear in parenthesis and in red are discontinued, but may still be available in stores. Discontinued models will appear on this list for a year after their last production date to allow retailers to clear inventory. These models are still ENERGY STAR qualified, but they are no longer manufactured. Sponsors, such as utilities, may honor incentives for discontinued models at their discretion.