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The Daily Insight

Is my refrigerator Energy Star?

Author

James Olson

Updated on March 23, 2026

A top-freezer refrigerator that has earned the ENERGY STAR uses less energy than a 60-watt light bulb. Purchase an appropriately sized refrigerator. Generally, the larger the refrigerator, the greater the energy consumption. The most energy-efficient models are typically 16-20 cubic feet.

Beside this, how do I know if my refrigerator is Energy Star?

Checking the Settings on Your Fridge A final way to find out if your unit is energy efficient is to change a few settings and see if you see a difference in your energy bills. The first setting is usually labeled “Energy Saver”, and this should be turned on, if you have it.

Beside above, what is the best Energy Star refrigerator? The runners up in refrigerator energy efficiency are GE's GTH17 and GTK17 model series. Both of these Energy Star refrigerator models have 16.5 cubic feet of storage space and a top-mounted freezer. They use 324 kilowatt hours per year, which is 30 percent below the federal NAECA standard.

Considering this, what is an Energy Star refrigerator?

A top-freezer refrigerator that has earned the ENERGY STAR uses less energy than a 60-watt light bulb. Purchase an appropriately sized refrigerator. Generally, the larger the refrigerator, the greater the energy consumption. The most energy-efficient models are typically 16-20 cubic feet.

Is an Energy Star refrigerator worth it?

The ENERGY STAR label guarantees significant energy savings. ENERGY STAR appliances do not cost any more than standard appliances. Compared to same-year, non-certified models, ENERGY STAR products can save over $100 a year.

Related Question Answers

How much does an Energy Star refrigerator cost?

Savings of ENERGY STAR Appliances
Average Household
Bill Savings for 2015 ENERGY STAR vs. 2015 Non-certified Models
Refrigerator $6 $30
Freezer $4 $20
Air Conditioners $11 $55

What refrigerator uses the least electricity?

Sun Frost refrigerators are efficient enough for use with a solar power system or other low energy power system. Sun Frost's Energy Star qualified RF-16 refrigerator model has 14.31 cubic feet of storage space, a top-mounted freezer and uses only 256 kilowatt hours per year.

Do Energy Star appliances save money?

The ENERGY STAR label guarantees significant energy savings. ENERGY STAR appliances do not cost any more than standard appliances. Compared to same-year, non-certified models, ENERGY STAR products can save over $100 a year.

Are all new refrigerators energy efficient?

Refrigerators originally qualified for the ENERGY STAR label in June 1996. ENERGY STAR certified refrigerators are about 9 percent more energy efficient than models that meet the federal minimum standard for energy efficiency.

What makes an Appliance Energy Star qualified?

To earn the ENERGY STAR, they must meet strict energy efficiency criteria set by the US Environmental Protection Agency or the US Department of Energy. Qualified refrigerators are at least 15% more efficient than the minimum federal efficiency standard.

What is the average cost to run a refrigerator per month?

A typical fridge of about 400-500 litres can use around 495kWh of electricity each year, which equates to a cost of about $163.35, based on an energy usage rate 33c/kWh. Energy usage rates vary across the country, but typically around 13 per cent of your energy bill is likely to be attributed to running your fridge.

What appliances use the most energy?

Here's what uses the most energy in your home:
  • Cooling and heating: 47% of energy use.
  • Water heater: 14% of energy use.
  • Washer and dryer: 13% of energy use.
  • Lighting: 12% of energy use.
  • Refrigerator: 4% of energy use.
  • Electric oven: 3-4% of energy use.
  • TV, DVD, cable box: 3% of energy use.
  • Dishwasher: 2% of energy use.

What is a good Energy Star score?

A score of 50 is the median. So if your property scores below 50, it means it's performing worse than 50% of similar properties nationwide, while a score above 50 means it's performing better than 50% of its peers. A score of 75 or higher means it's a top performer and may be eligible for ENERGY STAR certification.

What is energy efficient refrigerator?

Most of the energy used by a refrigerator is used to pump heat out of the cabinet. The efficiency of a refrigerator is based on the energy consumed per year for a given size. The efficiency of a refrigerator is expressed in volume cooled per unit electric energy per day.

Are Whirlpool refrigerators Energy Star?

Introducing the Whirlpool® HybridCare™ Duet® ENERGY STAR certified heat pump clothes dryer, which uses a refrigeration system to regenerate heat during the drying cycle and uses up to 73 percent less energy when paired with a matching washer, compared to a standard laundry pair.

How do energy efficient refrigerators work?

Energy saving refrigerators need air to absorb the heat they extracts from inside the fridge and freezer compartments. Your fridge will be more energy efficient if you can keep these heat-exchanging surfaces away from other solids or sources of heat, and keep air flowing freely around the unit.

Which refrigerator brand is most reliable?

Whirlpool

Is top or bottom freezer better?

Bottom freezers have more room than top freezers and can adjust better to various sized items. Top freezers are generally more energy efficient than bottom freezers. A top freezer, on the other hand, is located away from the compressor and use about 10-25% less energy.

Do fridges use a lot of electricity?

A typical fridge of about 400-500 litres can use around 495kWh of electricity each year, which equates to a cost of about $163.35, based on an energy usage rate 33c/kWh. Energy usage rates vary across the country, but typically around 13 per cent of your energy bill is likely to be attributed to running your fridge.

Does inverter refrigerator save electricity?

Inverter refrigerator saves way more energy as compared to a conventional refrigerator which is a tad more aggressive in grinding more electrical power. A conventional refrigerator generally produces a loud noise when it restarts. An inverter refrigerator starts its cycles at low speed, therefore emits less sound.

Which type of refrigerator is best?

We think these are the best refrigerators to buy:
  • Best Overall Refrigerator: GE Profile Series French-Door Refrigerator.
  • Best Refrigerator for Families: Samsung Family Hub Refrigerator.
  • Best Value Refrigerator: Maytag Wide French Door Refrigerator.
  • Best Door-in-Door Refrigerator: LG InstaView Door-in-Door.

Are my appliances Energy Star?

Appliances. Every appliance comes with two price tags: the purchase price and the cost of operating the product. ENERGY STAR certified appliances help consumers save money on operating costs by reducing energy use without sacrificing performance.

What does Energy Star mean on appliances?

energy efficiency

What is the difference between Energy Star and energy efficient?

The difference between your regular old, energy efficient window and an Energy Star qualified one is that the Energy Star window is NFRC certified, and has superior energy efficiency compared to other windows (including other NFRC certified ones).

What are the benefits of Energy Star appliances?

ENERGY STAR appliances can significantly reduce your electric bills. On average, home appliances – including clothes washers, dryers, dishwashers, refrigerators, freezers, air purifiers and humidifiers – will account for 20 percent of your home's total electric bill.

Do older appliances use more energy?

Refrigerators are one of the biggest energy consumers among all your appliances. Older fridges in general use more electricity than the newer models. Families that replace their old refrigerators notice immediate savings on their energy bills.