Refrigerators
Thanks to recent improvements in insulation and compressors, today's refrigerators use much less energy than older models. With an ENERGY STAR certified refrigerator, you can maximize your energy and dollar savings without sacrificing the features you want.
Slash your energy bills.
ENERGY STAR certified refrigerators are about 9 percent more energy efficient than models that meet the federal minimum energy efficiency standard.
Replace your old fridge for bigger savings.
An estimated 170 million refrigerators and refrigerator-freezers are currently in use in the United States. More than 60 million refrigerators are over 10 years old, costing consumers $4.4 billion a year in energy costs. By properly recycling your old refrigerator and replacing it with a new ENERGY STAR certified refrigerator, you can save $260 over the next 5 years.
Use the ENERGY STAR Savings Calculator to find out exactly how much money you'll save by replacing your existing refrigerator.
Protect the environment.
ENERGY STAR certified refrigerators use less energy and help us reduce our impact on the environment. If all refrigerators sold in the United States were ENERGY STAR certified, the energy cost savings would grow to nearly $700 million each year and 9 billion pounds of annual greenhouse gas emissions would be prevented, equivalent to the emissions from more than 870,000 vehicles.
Current Specification Effective Date: September 15, 2014
Refrigerators originally qualified for the ENERGY STAR label in June 1996. ENERGY STAR certified refrigerators are about 9 percent more energy efficient than models that meet the federal minimum standard for energy efficiency.
Refrigerators and Freezers Key Product Criteria: ENERGY STAR
What else should I look for when buying a refrigerator?
Ask for an ENERGY STAR model.
When buying a refrigerator, request an ENERGY STAR certified model to ensure it is 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 .
Consider buying a refrigerator with a top-mounted freezer.
A top-freezer refrigerator that has earned the ENERGY STAR uses less energy than a 60-watt light bulb.
Purchase an appropriately sized refrigerator.
Generally, the larger the refrigerator, the greater the energy consumption. The most energy-efficient models are typically 16-20 cubic feet.
Consider retiring the old refrigerator in your basement or garage.
Refrigerators over 10 years old could be costing you about $110 per year to run. If you need a second refrigerator year round, replace the old one with a new ENERGY STAR certified unit and save about $50 a year in operating costs.
Related Information:
Refrigerator Usage Best Practices
Now’s the Time to Flip Your Fridge and Save!
It’s time to Flip Your Fridge! Why not recycle that old energy wasting refrigerator and replace it with a new ENERGY STAR certified model? You’ll save energy and help protect the climate – plus benefit from the many rebates available for purchases and recycling. Cool for you and cool for the planet!
PLEASE SEE REBATES FROM PARTICIPATING UTILITY PARTNERS
FEATURED BRANDS AND RETAILERS
Please note that links in this section take you away from energystar.gov
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Start Saving With My ENERGY STAR
My ENERGY STAR makes it easy to browse energy saving tips, and to see how your actions can make a difference. Here are a few tips to get you started.
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Choose an ENERGY STAR certified refrigerator
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Recycle your old refrigerator
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Keep your refrigerator door closed
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