Efficient Refrigerators
Refrigerators and Global Warming
Refrigerators consume about 18% of all electricity in a typical Californian home – using more electricity than any other single household appliance and contributing to global warming. Fortunately, refrigerators have become much more efficient in the past 20 years, using 60% less electricity on average than 20-year-old models.
Out With the Old, In With the Efficient

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If you have an old, inefficient refrigerator, you may be paying $120 a year in electricity in areas with high electricity rates. A new, more efficient model will lower your electric bill and save you money, which in turn will offset the cost of purchasing a new refrigerator.
A typical, new 18.5-cu.-ft. refrigerator with top-mount freezer (without a through-the-door ice dispenser) can use between 30 and 40% less electricity than a 10-year-old unit (using 442 to 491 kilowatt-hours vs. 706 kWh). By replacing your 10-year-old refrigerator with an ENERGY STAR model, you can save $30 per year on your electricity bill. You can also conserve enough energy to light the average household for a month and a half and prevent the release of an additional 60 pounds of carbon dioxide emitted from burning fossil fuels to generate electricity.
Optimize Energy Performance Through Maintenance
- Clean the condenser coils at least once a year. Dirt and dust can accumulate on the condenser coils. Unplug the unit and brush or vacuum the coils to maximize performance.
- Keep cool air inside by opening the door as infrequently and as briefly as possible.
- Check the temperature to ensure that the refrigerator operates between 36°F and 40°F and the freezer between 0°F and 5°F. Use a thermometer to check the temperature; adjust the settings if necessary. Your refrigerator may use 25% more energy if it is kept at 10°F colder than recommended.
- Check the location to ensure that the unit is not located in direct sunlight or near heat-producing appliances, such as ovens and dishwashers. Maximize air circulation around the condenser coils by making sure there is a space between the unit and the wall or cabinets.
- Defrost manual defrost freezers regularly. Ice build-up on the coils will make the compressor run longer, wasting energy.
- Keep the door seal clean and in good repair. Test the seal by closing a piece of paper or dollar bill half way in the refrigerator door. If you can pull the paper out easily, the latch may need adjustment or the seal may need replacing.