The energy efficiency of refrigerators has improved dramatically in the last several decades due to advancements in refrigerator design that include increased insulation, tighter door seals, and more efficient compressors.
Much of the variation in current models is due to configurations tailored to meet consumer demand, but not all of these options are energy efficient. For example, a side-by-side refrigerator-freezer with such amenities as through-the-door ice service and automatic defrost may use nearly 40% more energy than a basic top-freezer, manual-defrost model.
Energy StarLabeling system sponsored by the Environmental Protection Agency and the US Department of Energy for labeling the most energy-efficient products on the market; applies to a wide range of products, from computers and office equipment to refrigerators and air conditioners. categorizes refrigerators based on volume (cubic feet of interior space): medium (<18ft3), large (18–22.5 ft3), and extra-large (>22.5 ft3). These refrigerators can have dramatically different energy consumption and per-volume efficiency, so selecting a model that matches a user’s needs is crucial. For instance, on a per-volume basis, compact refrigerators (<14 ft3) typically use significantly more energy than their larger counterparts, but smaller-volume refrigerators consume less energy overall.
Because models change rapidly, the best way to find the most efficient product for your needs is to (1) figure out how large a model and which features are really needed, (2) look for the Energy Star logo on models that satisfy user needs, and (3) use the yellow EnergyGuide label to compare the kWh per year consumption of models meeting user needs and choose the model with the lowest energy use.
Product lines listed by GreenSpec are from companies with products listed under Energy Star’s Most Efficient Refrigerator-Freezers designation, or that meet the Consortium for Energy Efficiency’s (CEE) Tier 3 level under its Super Efficient Home Appliances Initiative.
GreenSpec also lists super-efficient refrigerators that are usually sold for use in off-grid houses; some haven’t qualified for Energy Star because the companies are too small or their markets too small to justify their submitting products for testing.
The energy efficiency of refrigerators has improved dramatically in the last several decades due to advancements in refrigerator design that include increased insulation, tighter door seals, and more efficient compressors.
Much of the variation in current models is due to configurations tailored to meet consumer demand, but not all of these options are energy efficient. For example, a side-by-side refrigerator-freezer with such amenities as through-the-door ice service and automatic defrost may use nearly 40% more energy than a basic top-freezer, manual-defrost model.
