How much more energy efficient are new refrigerators?
William Smith
Updated on March 30, 2026
Refrigerators began to apply for Energy Star certification back in 1996. Today, Energy Star certified fridges are an average of 9% more energy efficient than other models that meet the minimum federal regulation for energy efficiency standards.
Do the math how much energy can you save with a new refrigerator?
According to EnergyStar.gov, buying a new ENERGY STAR certified refrigerator to replace your existing model that’s over 10 years old you could save up to $1,100 on energy costs over the appliance’s lifetime! That’s a lot of money, and reason enough to purchase a new refrigerator for many.
Do new refrigerators use more electricity?
New, Energy Star-certified fridges run much more efficiently and use less energy than older models. Investing in a new fridge can pay off on your electric bill.
How much does an energy efficient refrigerator save?
You’ll save between $100 and $200 a year in energy costs, according to EnergyStar. If it was made in the last 10 years, you’re only looking at energy savings in the range of $5 to $20 a year. For energy efficiency, classic top-freezer refrigerators use less energy than side-by-side or french-door types.
What is most energy efficient refrigerator?
Of the dozens of models we researched, the Samsung RT21M6213SG is by far the most efficient refrigerator per cubic foot of space.
Should I replace my 15 year old refrigerator?
A typical refrigerator has a 10- to 20-year lifespan. If the refrigerator is more than 15 years old, consider replacement. If the fridge is between eight and 15 years old, you must take other factors into consideration, such as the type of refrigerator and its environmental efficiency.
How can I make my refrigerator use less energy?
Follow these tips, and your refrigerator will be working smarter, not harder.
- Choose or upgrade to an energy-efficient model.
- Give your fridge a cool place and some room to breathe.
- Keep the door closed.
- Keep your fridge organised.
- Keep your fridge full.
- Store Food Properly.
- Don’t put hot food in your refrigerator.
Do refrigerators use more energy as they get older?
Does Age Matter? Another important consideration is that fridges become increasingly less efficient as they age and the cooling system degrades. 5-year-old fridges consume 10% more energy, 10-year-old fridges consume 20% more energy, and fridges 15 years old or more consume at least 30% more energy.
Is it worth it to get ENERGY STAR refrigerator?
ENERGY STAR refrigerators are excellent options because they use less energy and save money over time—usually about 9 percent over non-ENERGY STAR models. Given the improvements in the efficiency of refrigerators over the years, replacing an older model with a new ENERGY STAR model will save even more.
How do I know if my refrigerator is ENERGY STAR rated?
What else should I look for when buying a refrigerator? 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.
How much can you save by replacing a refrigerator?
Energy Star says that replacing an old fridge with a new one can save you more than $300 over the next five years. The amount you save depends on the size, the style, and the features you want, so bear in mind that although ice-makers and through-the-door water dispensers seem indispensable, they are also costly to run.
What is the most energy efficient fridge?
Energy: 281 kwh per year (unverified) Sun Frost RF-12. The Sun Frost RF-12 is the most energy efficient, Energy Star, refrigerator-freezer on the market. A comfortable size for 1 to 2 people, this unit amazingly uses far less energy than the smallest micro-fridges available anywhere.
How much electricity does my refrigerator use?
Electricity usage of a Refrigerator. Modern refrigerators are very energy efficient compared to older models from a few decades ago. A fridge will use anywhere from 100 to 400 watts depending on size, a large fridge will use about 180 watts or 1575 kWh annually.
What is the most efficient chest freezer?
The most efficient DC-powered chest freezer is the SunDanzer. This eight-cubic-foot capacity freezer has an exceptionally low energy consumption — it uses around 140 kWhr / year. It incorporates the highly efficient Danforst compressor.
