Which of your refrigerator’s features affect the amount of energy used? Read on to find out:
1. SIZE
All things being equal, one cubic foot of capacity requires about 27 kWh per year. In general, the larger the volume, the more energy the refrigerator uses. Be reminded, though, that it is still usually less costly to run one large refrigerator than two small ones.
2. CONFIGURATION
Side-by-side refrigerators use about 12 percent more energy than those with freezers on top. Bottom-freezer models fall between the two.
3. DEFROST CAPABILITIES
Automatic–defrost models can consume twice as much energy than those with manual defrost.
4. OPTIONAL FEATURES
Automatic icemakers and through-the-door water dispensers increase energy use by 14 to 20 percent.
For the thrifty homemaker, lessening energy consumption can be a great help when it comes to paying the electricity bills. Scroll through the gallery below for eight simple ways you can use to properly utilize your ref's energy usage.
(First published in Good Housekeeping Magazine, Home 101 section as "Don't leave the fridge open!" in December 2004; adapted for use in Female Network)
Want to read more articles about saving energy while saving cash? Check these out:
- Tipid Tips: How to Save on Energy and Be Eco-Friendly while Cooling Your House
- Eco-Friendly Baby Steps: 10 Small but Effective Ways to Go Green
- Tipid Tips: How to Save the Earth While Saving Money
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