What to Look For

Your refrigerator is probably the most power-hungry appliance in your house, and you'll save money and energy by replacing any model made before 2001. Even post-2001 models may not be as efficient as a new model; use Energy Star’s refrigerator calculator to compare how much energy your fridge uses with the energy used by our Product Picks.

Energy Star: The most efficient machines are Energy Star rated and use at least 20 percent less energy than federal standards.

Top-freezer models: These are the most energy-efficient and repair-free of the configurations offered, followed by bottom-freezer models. Side-by-side refrigerator/freezers are often more convenient, but they're more likely to need repair and can use roughly 7 to 13 percent more energy than top-freezer models. Automatic icemakers increase energy use by 14 to 20 percent.

Capacity: Buy a refrigerator that will accommodate everything, rather than buying a new one while keeping your old fridge to store overflow. A typical 1990 model refrigerator costs about $75 per year to run, and releases over 1,200 pounds of CO2 each year; it's much more economical and eco-minded to store all your food in a single refrigerator.

Usage Tips

• Don't keep your fridge too cold. Refrigerators should be kept between 37 and 40 degrees and freezers at 5 degrees. Colder temperatures waste energy. To test the temperature, leave an appliance thermometer in a glass of water in the middle shelf for 24 hours. In the freezer, place a thermometer among packs of frozen food.

• Clean the coils annually.

• Cover food and drink to avoid evaporation in the fridge, which can force the compressor to work harder.

• Keep your freezer filled. Frozen blocks of food keep freezer temperatures more stable.

• Don't clutter the fridge top; it can hamper the compressor's proper air circulation.

• Don't put your refrigerator in direct sunlight or next to an oven or dishwasher.

• Check the door seals. They should be able to hold a piece of paper in place.

• Defrost the freezer regularly and avoid frost build-ups of more than a quarter-inch.