Freezers

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FreezerImprovements in insulation and compressors mean today's freezers consume much less energy than older models. Select a freezer that's earned the ENERGY STAR for maximum energy savings and the latest features.

  • Cut your utility bills.
    Freezers that have earned the ENERGY STAR are at least 10 percent more energy efficient than the minimum federal standard.
  • The older the freezer, the higher your bills.
    An estimated 35 million freezers are currently in use in the United States. Over 16 million of these freezers are more than 10 years old, costing consumers $975 million per year on their energy bills. Replacing your 15-year old freezer with one that has earned the ENERGY STAR could save you $165 over the next 5 years.
  • Protect the environment.
    ENERGY STAR certified freezers use less energy and help us reduce our impact on the environment.

Current Specification Effective Date:  September 15, 2014

ENERGY STAR certified freezers are at least 10 percent more efficient than non-certified models and are more efficient than models that simply meet the federal minimum standard for energy efficiency.

Refrigerators and Freezers Key Product Criteria: ENERGY STAR

Learn How a Product Earns the Label

What else should I look for when buying a freezer?

Ask for an ENERGY STAR model.
When buying a freezer from a retailer, request an ENERGY STAR certified model to be sure it's energy efficient.

Check the yellow EnergyGuide label.
Use this label to determine the model's energy use, compare the energy use of similar models, and estimate annual operating costs. Learn How to Use the EnergyGuide Label.

Purchase an appropriately sized freezer.
Generally, the larger the freezer, the greater the energy consumption. Also, consider whether an upright or chest freezer better meets your needs. An upright freezer has a front-mounted door like a refrigerator and shelves that allow for easy organization. While a chest freezer typically requires more floor space, it's usually more energy efficient, since the door opens from the top and allows less cold air to escape.

Consider a manual defrost model.
Manual defrost freezers use half the energy of automatic defrost models, but must be defrosted periodically to achieve the energy savings. Don't allow frost to build up more than one-quarter of an inch.

Related Information:
Freezer Usage Best Practices

Best Practices

Follow these guidelines to reduce the amount of energy your freezer uses:

Set the appropriate temperature.
Keep the temperature at 0 degrees Fahrenheit.

Avoid extreme temperatures.
Unless you live in a mild climate, keep your freezer indoors, such as in the basement. Extreme temperatures are hard on the compressor and can reduce the life of your freezer.

Allow air circulation behind the freezer.
Leave a few inches between the wall or cabinets and the freezer.

Check the door seals.
Make sure the seals around the door are airtight. If not, replace them.

Keep the door closed.
Minimize the amount of time the freezer door is open.

If you buy a new freezer, be sure to recycle your old one. Replacing and properly recycling your 15-year old freezer could reduce your carbon footprint by 6,800 lbs. Many appliance retailers will pick up and recycle your old freezer when you purchase a new one.