Replace That Pre-1993 Refrigerator & $ave

In most kitchens the refrigerator is the single biggest energy hog, according to the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy. If the family fridge was made before 1993, when federal efficiency standards improved, it accounts for the third biggest chunk of the monthly electric bill after heating/air conditioning and water heaters. More, it’s costing the environment needless fossil fuel emissions.

The good news is that additional improvements in federal standards in July 2001 make models made after this date even more efficient. New units routinely rack up 40 percent in energy cost savings over pre-2001 models and a whopping 50 percent savings over pre-1993 models. For the 31 million U.S. households with pre-1993 refrigerators, that means an average $50 in savings pocketed each year.

Shoppers considering a new appliance can compare the operating cost of new versus old with the "Refrigerator Retirement Savings Calculator" at EnergyStar.gov. Energy Star qualified appliances beat even the fed’s standards by as much as 10 to 20 percent.

Many Energy Star refrigerator models offer state-of-the-art ice-maker and through-the-door ice dispensers. Energy Star freezers are available with automatic or manual defrost. "We don’t want anyone to sacrifice quality or convenience," says a U.S. Department of Energy spokesperson.

Energy saving tips recommend that the householder position a cooling unit away from heat sources like the oven, dishwasher or direct sun and allow air circulation on all sides. Keep condenser coils clean, make sure doors seal tight and minimize the minutes doors stand open. Set the Fahrenheit temperature between 35 and 38 degrees in a refrigerator, 0 degrees in a freezer. Finally, properly recycle old appliances, usually through special pickup by a local waste management company.