You’ve probably seen those yellow EnergyGuide labels when you’ve shopped for an appliance – they tell you how much it will cost to operate the appliance each year. Well, if you’re looking for buy a new refrigerator you’ll notice that the EnergyGuide labels have been redesigned and that might leave you asking why?
Beginning in September, the U.S. Department of Energy’s new mandatory energy efficiency standards for refrigerators will become more stringent, but these new super- efficient models may be available in stores now. The EnergyGuide label has also been redesigned to better reflect the new measurements and an updated nationwide average electricity cost of 12 cents per kWh. So, at first glance, it may appear that that some fridges use more energy than older models, but be assured that they are indeed more efficient and can save you even more money on your utility bills.
AHAM has created a website called CoolEnergySavings.org to explain the efficiency standards and new EnergyGuide labels, answer common questions and provide information on recycling your old refrigerator.
CNET.com’s Megan Wollerton recently wrote an article discussing the new refrigerator energy standards:
The Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM)'s Vice President of Communications and Marketing, Jill Notini, says that replacing an old fridge is one of the simplest ways to make a difference in your energy bill. The good news is that models with the new energy standards don't seem to cost much more.
Unfortunately, Notini says, a lot of people transfer old fridges to a basement or garage as a backup for grocery overflow. Keeping an old fridge after buying a newer, more efficient model definitely isn't going to help you save money. But, if you actually replace an older model (as long as you aren't going from a small fridge with no ice maker to a very large fridge with an ice maker, or some other extreme) you should see significant savings.
Visit CoolEnergySavings.org today to learn more about how purchasing a new refrigerator can lower your monthly utility bills!
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