Learn More About Refrigerators

The average cost of running an older model refrigerator is more than three times that of a newer, energy efficient model. Depending on how old your current refrigerator is, replacing it with an energy efficient model can save you $200 or more each year in energy costs. Choosing an ENERGY STAR® qualified model will save you an additional $165 or more over the life your refrigerator.

Position your refrigerator out of direct sunlight, away from vents and with enough space for air flow and to vacuum the coils for the highest energy savings. Set the internal temperature between 35F (1C) and 38F (3C) and the freezer at 0F (-17C); each degree the temperature is lowered decreases its efficiency by 2.5%. Don't forget to recycle your old model; in many areas companies offer a complimentary pick-up service, some will even pay money for it! Now those are some cool savings.

Buying Guide

We offer several different types of refrigerators, choose the model that's right for your individual needs and start saving!

  • Top-Mount Freezer Refrigerators: A top-mount fridge has the freezer at eye level, with the fresh food compartment on the bottom. These fridges tend to have wider shelves in both the fridge and freezer sections.
  • Side-by-Side Refrigerators: The refrigerator and freezer compartments are adjacent to one another, allowing easy access to both compartments. Adjustable bins and shelves allow you to customize the interior layout to suit your storage needs.
  • French Door Refrigerators: An increasingly popular style of refrigerator, it has dual refrigerator doors and a pullout freezer drawer for convenient fresh and frozen food storage. This style combines the best features of bottom-mount and side-by-side models.
  • Counter-Depth Refrigerators: Many models can extend past the cabinets in your kitchen. Counter-depth models offer a more shallow profile designed to fit flush with your cabinetry.

Don't forget these helpful hints for selecting a new ENERGY STAR® qualified refrigerator:

  • Get the right size for your needs; operating one larger model is more efficient than two smaller ones.
  • Think about how much shelf and bin space you use and the shapes and sizes of items you normally store. The ability to organize groceries and manage space is very important.
  • If you choose a refrigerator with an icemaker or ice and water dispenser, you will need to make sure you have access to a water line from behind the refrigerator for the water connections.
  • Measure the available space for your refrigerator. Know the height, width and depth of the area you want the new model to fit into.
  • Be sure to take into account the clearances you will need in your kitchen to open refrigerator doors to remove pans and shelves.