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Refrigerators and Freezers

Why buy an ENERGY STAR® qualified refrigerator or freezer?

ENERGY STAR qualified refrigerators and freezers keep you saving month after month by using high-efficiency compressors, improved insulation and more precise temperature and defrost mechanisms to improve energy efficiency. Choosing an ENERGY STAR qualified refrigerator or freezer is easy—just look for the ENERGY STAR label and save on your energy costs.

You'll get premium efficiency with all the features you desire:

  • ENERGY STAR qualified refrigerator and freezer models use 40 percent less energy than a conventional model sold before 2001.
  • Many models include automatic ice-makers and through-the-door ice dispensers.
  • Qualified refrigerator models are also available with top, bottom and side-by-side freezers.
  • All ENERGY STAR models are performance tested to ensure energy savings and quality, so you can buy with confidence.

See information on our ENERGY STAR refrigerator and freezer promotion to learn how you can get cash back on a new premium-efficiency ENERGY STAR qualified refrigerator or freezer.

Get $40 cash back when you recycle your old refrigerator or freezer. Read more.

Tips for choosing an ENERGY STAR qualified refrigerator or freezer

When you begin shopping for a new ENERGY STAR qualified refrigerator or freezer, here are some things to remember:

  • Ask for an ENERGY STAR model. When buying a refrigerator or freezer from a retailer, request an ENERGY STAR qualified model to ensure it offers you the highest level of energy efficiency.
  • Check the yellow EnergyGuide label to determine how much energy is used to operate the model, and compare the energy use of similar models to approximate annual operating costs.
  • Purchase an appropriate-sized refrigerator or freezer model for your needs. Generally, the larger the refrigerator or freezer model, the greater the energy consumption. The most energy-efficient refrigerator models are typically 16-20 cubic feet. The most energy-efficient freezer models are typically chest freezers.
  • Consider buying a refrigerator model with a top freezer. Top freezer models use 10 to 25 percent less energy than side-by-side models.
  • Look for a refrigerator with automatic moisture control. Models with this feature have been engineered to prevent moisture accumulation on the cabinet exterior without the addition of a heater. This is not the same thing as an “anti-sweat” heater. Models with an anti-sweat heater will consume 5 to 10 percent more energy than models without this feature.
  • Manual defrost models use one-half the energy of automatic defrost models but must be defrosted periodically to realize energy savings. Frost buildup increases the amount of energy needed to keep the motor running. Don't allow frost to build up more than one-quarter of an inch.

Visit the national ENERGY STAR website for more information on ENERGY STAR qualified refrigerators.