Here’s What Really Matters in Energy Star Refrigerators

There are different tips you can follow to reduce your refrigerator’s energy cost.

For example, you should keep liquids inside your ref covered to reduce moisture. This is because too much moisture makes your fridge’s compressor work harder, which means it will consume more energy.

Another tip is to set the right temperature (i.e., between 37 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit). You may think lowering your ref’s temperature will save you money. However, doing this will affect peak efficiency, and you’ll end up with a much higher energy bill.

Of course, you can also opt for ENERGY STAR refrigerators for convenience. Here, we’ll talk about what’s so unique about ENERGY STAR refrigerators. In addition, how to choose the right one for your needs.

First Things First: What Are ENERGY STAR Refrigerators?

As we’ve mentioned before, New Legacy Homes are ENERGY STAR rated, but what exactly does it mean?

An ENERGY STAR label means that a particular product is certified by the federal government to be energy-efficient. In other words, ENERGY STAR refrigerators (e.g., Fisher & Paykel refs) are models that have passed current federal standards to use less energy. For shoppers, looking for this label makes it easier to identify which appliances can help them reduce their utility bills over time.

Now, you should note that there are appliances that claim to be energy-saving, but without an ENERGY STAR label. Since ENERGY STAR products may cost more initially, some consumers think it’s okay to buy non-qualified models. Keep in mind, though, that without an ENERGY STAR label, you can’t be sure if the fridge you’re thinking of buying really uses less energy as its manufacturer claims.

Understanding the ENERGY STAR Rating for Refrigerators

It’s easy enough to just buy a ref with an ENERGY STAR label, but understanding the label itself will ensure you’re buying the right one for your home. After all, even an ENERGY STAR mini refrigerator is guaranteed to be energy-saving, but that doesn’t mean it will be enough for let’s say, a family of 6.

So how do you read a ref’s EnergyGuide label? First, the label will indicate the ref’s specific features. For example, it will show whether the unit has a top-mounted freezer, icemaker, and so on. Compared to other models such as side-by-side or bottom-mount, top-mounted freezers are more energy-efficient.

You’ll also save more by opting for a unit that doesn’t have an ice maker or water dispenser. Next, the label will also tell you, how much electricity in kilowatt-hours (kWh), a particular appliance (in this case a ref) uses per year. Of course, you shouldn’t just look at this number, you also have to take into account your family’s needs to get the right size.

Other things that will be on the EnergyGuide label include the make, model, and capacity size of the fridge. It will also indicate a cost range so you can see where that specific fridge falls when compared to similar models.

Are You Interested in Energy-Efficient Homes?

Now that you know more about ENERGY STAR refrigerators, are you looking to move into an energy-efficient home in South Tampa?

We can help. To know more about New Legacy Homes, check out The New Legacy Difference. You can also call us at 813.200.9449 so we can discuss how you and your family can move into your dream home asap.