What should I look for when buying a refrigerator? 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.
The most energy-efficient models are typically 16-20 cubic feet. Consider purchasing a refrigerator with a top freezer. Models with the freezer on top tend to use the least energy (versus bottom freezers or side-by-sides). Consider buying a refrigerator with fewer doors.
“There's a tendency in our culture to see bigger as being better but that's not necessarily the case,” he says, adding that a larger fridge will not only cost more to buy but use more energy to run.
French door fridges help you save energy because you can open one door at a time so less cold air escapes, while top-mount fridges could also help you use less energy than side-by-side fridges of the same size.
Compact Refrigerators
Compact fridges consume less energy simply due to their size, making them an efficient option for singles, couples, or even offices.
Small, mini-fridges require less power than full-sized kitchen refrigerators.
You can expect standard refrigerator dimensions to range between 62 to 72 inches tall, 29 to 36 inches deep, and 24 to 40 inches wide. These are typically average-size fridges that are most commonly sold.
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Counter-depth refrigerators can be a more price- and space-efficient way to achieve a built-in look. This type of refrigerator tends to be about 24 inches deep to sit flush with kitchen cabinets.
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French-door refrigerators have an average lifespan of about 10-15 years, making them one of the more reliable options on the market. Like side by side models, these last longest when they have independent compressors for the fresh food and freezer sections.
Bottom Freezer refrigerators generally offer more storage and organization options compared to Top Mount models. The pull-out drawer design of Bottom Freezers makes it easier to see and access stored items without having to reach over or dig through a single shelf.
French door refrigerators are more energy-efficient primarily due to their design. Since you open one side at a time, only one side needs to cool back down instead of the entire fridge. The effect is that less energy is needed to keep the refrigerator cool on a daily basis.
According to the United States Department of Energy, refrigerators last approximately 12 years. At that point, it's likely time to replace it. Of course, if your refrigerator is not energy-efficient, you may want to consider replacing it before it stops working.
Refrigerators can cost anywhere from $500 to $12,000 depending on what brands and styles you are shopping for. You can find mid-range models that fit most homes for $1,500 or less if you are on a budget.
Although the average size of a refrigerator varies depending on the type of fridge (bottom freezer, top freezer, French door or side-by-side), standard refrigerator dimensions range from 28¾ to 39¾ inches wide, 61¾ to 71¼ inches tall and 28¾ to 34⅝ inches deep, with depth extending to 45 inches with the refrigerator ...
Counter depth models are typically more expensive, I think because of the combination of demand due to their aesthetics as well as the increased complexity of maintaining a reasonable amount of space with a smaller footprint / with design complications like making the door work at counter depth.
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So, the answer to the question depends on how the refrigerator works. If the refrigerator is time interval or heat energy interval based, a loaded fridge takes more energy to maintain a cold temperature. If the fridge is purely thermostat based, there is no difference in energy consumption.
Heating and cooling: 45-50%
The largest electricity consumer in the average household is your heating and cooling appliance. By a long shot. Central air conditioners and heaters use tons of energy in order to keep your home set to the right temperature.