When it comes to choosing a refrigerator, energy efficiency is an important consideration. An energy-efficient refrigerator not only helps to reduce your carbon footprint but can also save you money on your electricity bills. To make an informed decision, it’s important to understand the energy efficiency ratings for refrigerators. In this article, we’ll explain what these ratings mean and how they can help you choose an energy-efficient refrigerator.
Energy Star Rating
The Energy Star rating is a certification program developed by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to identify energy-efficient appliances. Refrigerators with an Energy Star rating are tested and certified to meet strict energy efficiency standards set by the EPA.
To earn an Energy Star rating, refrigerators must meet minimum energy efficiency standards and be at least 10% more energy-efficient than non-certified models. This means that Energy Star-rated refrigerators use less energy to do the same job as non-certified models, resulting in lower energy bills.
Energy Guide Label
The Energy Guide label is a mandatory label that must be displayed on all new refrigerators. This label provides important information about the energy efficiency of the refrigerator, including the estimated yearly energy cost, the estimated yearly electricity consumption, and the refrigerator’s capacity in cubic feet.
The estimated yearly energy cost is based on the national average cost of electricity and the refrigerator’s energy consumption. This allows consumers to compare the energy efficiency of different models and choose the one that will cost the least to run.
The estimated yearly electricity consumption is expressed in kilowatt-hours (kWh) and represents the amount of electricity the refrigerator is expected to use in a year. This information can help consumers estimate their energy bills and make an informed decision about which refrigerator to purchase.
Understanding the Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)
The Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) is another important rating to consider when choosing a refrigerator. This rating measures the cooling output of the refrigerator in relation to the amount of energy it consumes. The higher the EER, the more energy-efficient the refrigerator is.
The EER is calculated by dividing the cooling output (in BTUs per hour) by the power input (in watts). A refrigerator with an EER of 10, for example, produces 10 BTUs of cooling output for every watt of power input.
Final Thoughts
Understanding energy efficiency ratings for refrigerators can help you make an informed decision when choosing a new appliance. Look for refrigerators with an Energy Star rating, compare the estimated yearly energy costs on the Energy Guide label, and consider the EER to determine how energy-efficient the refrigerator is. By choosing an energy-efficient refrigerator, you can save money on your energy bills and reduce your carbon footprint.
