Cool Savings: Upgrading Your Refrigerator

Refrigerators keep food fresh, but they can take up as much space on your electric bill as they do in your kitchen.

Thanks to modern technology, today's refrigerators use far less energy than older models. If your unit is more than 10 years old, consider replacing it with a new, high-efficiency product. It'll help take the heat off your energy budget.

How much will I save?

When shopping for a new refrigerator or freezer, look for the ENERGY STAR^® label. ENERGY STAR-certified units are up to 10% more efficient than standard models.

How much will you actually save? ENERGY STAR estimates that a standard, 10-year-old refrigerator costs about $125 a year to operate. A new ENERGY STAR-rated model of the same size would cost about $60 a year, saving you more than $60 a year and more than $300 over a five-year period.

Cost and savings will vary depending on the size, type and age of your current unit. Use the Refrigerator Retirement Savings Calculator to find out how much you can save.