Tips for choosing an efficient refrigerator

The refrigerator is the single biggest power consumer in many households. A typical refrigerator uses between 600 and 900 kilowatt hours per year, although an efficient one will use somewhat less (depending on the size). Refrigerators and freezers typically make up over 20% of total residential electricity consumption. Nearly all households have at least one refrigerator and about 30% own two. Nearly 60% of households own a separate freezer.

Minimum Energy Performance Standards MEPS), which set minimum efficiency levels for refrigerators and freezers, came into force on 1 October 1999, thus eliminating the worst performers from the market. Further more stringent MEPS levels for refrigerators and freezers came into force on 1 January 2005.

Despite MEPS, there is still a large difference in energy consumption between the best and worst models for many types of refrigerators. In some cases, the best models use only half the energy of model that just passes MEPS!! So look for the stars and save.

Decide on the size, type and features you want; don't buy something that's too big for your needs. If you're not keeping a fridge at least two thirds full or a freezer at least three quarters full, it's probably too big for your needs.

Use this website and the energy rating labels to help you select an energy efficient model. The more stars the better. There are lots of different types of refrigerators and freezers - consider the types listed below before you buy.

Consider the following points when you are buying a new refrigerator or freezer:

Make sure you check the energy label before you buy.
Generally, the larger the refrigerator, the greater the energy consumption. A model that is too large will waste space and energy; too small could mean extra trips to supermarket and inconvenience.
It is usually less costly to run one larger refrigerator than two smaller ones, but check the energy consumption on the label when assessing the options.
Two door refrigerators with a top or bottom freezer are generally more efficient than side by side models - check the stars and the energy consumption before you buy.
Automatic ice-makers and through-the-door dispensers will increase both the energy use (typically 100 to 150 kilowatt hours/year) and the purchase price.
Manual defrost models have tended to use less energy than frost free models (automatic defrost), but these must be defrosted periodically to remain energy efficient. However, the best frost free models on the market are now as good as manual defrost models - check the energy label!
If two different sized refrigerators use the same amount of energy, the larger model can be considered more efficient because it keeps more space cold with same amount of electricity.

There are various types of refrigerators and freezers which you should consider before you buy:

All refrigerators have only fresh food space with no freezer compartment. These models are automatic defrost. They are called Group 1 on the web site.

Single door refrigerator have a small icemaking (Group 2) or frozen food compartment (Group 3) which is manual or push-button defrost. The most common example of these models are small bar refrigerators.

Cyclic defrost refrigerator/freezers are generally two door models that require the freezer to be manually defrosted. The fresh food compartment defrost is automatic and is achieved either due to natural warming of the cabinet during the 'off cycle'; or with a small electric heater on the refrigerator evaporator. They are called Group 4 on the web site.

Frost free refrigerators are generally two door models that have automatic defrost in both the freezer and fresh food compartments. Well designed frost free refrigerators can have a lower energy use than cyclic defrost models of the same size - look for the star rating and the comparative energy consumption. They are called Group 5 on the web site (divided into top mounted freezers (Group 5T), bottom mounted freezers (Group 5B) and side by side models (Group 5S)).

Vertical/Upright freezers have a front-opening door. Contents can be checked, packed and unloaded relatively quickly and this minimises the time that the door is open. However, vertical freezers generally have a higher energy consumption when compared to a chest freezer of the same volume. Manual defrost models are called Group 6U and frost free models (automatic defrost) are called Group 7 on the web site.

Chest freezers have a top opening lid and are generally more economical to run (compared to vertical freezers) as they hold cold air more efficiently and tend to have thicker insulation and lower heat gain around the lid, but they are less convenient to use. All chest freezers in Australia at the moment are manual defrost. They are called Group 6C on the web site.

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This page last modified 02 February 2009