At a Glance:
What is an Energy Star Refrigerator?
Benefits of Energy-Efficient Refrigerators
Which Refrigerator Type is Best for Energy Consumption?
Brands With Energy Efficient Refrigeration Products
FAQs: Energy Star Refrigerators
Have you ever considered the Energy Star rating for refrigerators? If you’re like most people, then the answer to that is probably, no. Many of us want to do our best to be conscious of the environment and live as eco-friendly as possible, but we also love our modern conveniences, knowing that many of them are detrimental to the earth. But what if I told you that you could have both? Energy Star appliances give you the modern technology you know and love, while still being economically conscious. Today we are going to talk about the Energy Star Certification, what it is, and why Energy Star refrigerators are an excellent option when shopping for your kitchen appliances. Then, learn more about some of the best Energy Star refrigerators on the market, as well as some helpful FAQs regarding Energy Star. Here we go!
Shop Energy Star Refrigerators
Reduce your carbon footprint with an energy efficient refrigerator from Albert Lee Appliance!
In Stock NowWhat is Energy Star?
You’ve likely heard of Energy Star, but like me, perhaps you have no idea what it means. As they claim on their website, Energy Star is “the government-backed symbol for energy efficiency.” The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) partners with large businesses and corporations to help them create energy-efficient appliances that help protect the environment, climate, air quality, and overall health of the public. Since 1992, Energy Star has been a pillar in the appliance world, helping companies think through eco-friendly designed appliances.
➝ Learn More: Demystifying Energy Efficient Appliances [+ Recommendations]
What is an Energy Star Refrigerator?
Put simply, Energy Star refrigerators are more energy efficient than refrigerators which lack the credential. When it comes to refrigerators, energy-certified refrigerator energy is, well, more efficiently used. To be considered in the category of Energy Star efficient, a refrigerator must meet the fixed and firm energy standard held by the U.S. Department of Energy and the EPA. These refrigerators bring about the same results as a typical refrigerator, but they do it using up to 9% less energy.
➝ Learn More: Energy Efficient Refrigerators ID: A Guide + Reviews
Pictured: Beko 19.8 Cu. Ft. Fingerprint Free Stainless Steel French 4 Door Refrigerator
Energy Star Qualified vs. Energy Star Certified
You will often hear Energy Star qualified and Energy Star certified used interchangeably. This is understandable, as they mean almost the same thing, with a slight difference. An Energy Star-qualified item means it seems to meet all the criteria for Energy Star. This appliance will be energy efficient while still performing just as well as a non-energy efficient appliance. However, to be genuinely Energy Star Certified, a product must undergo specific tests and be certified by the EPA. They are the only ones who can bestow the Energy Star certification.
Refrigerators use quite a bit of energy; for a fridge to be Energy Star certified is a noteworthy accomplishment. On average, refrigerators use anywhere from 300-800 watts of energy every day. While this is less than other appliances like ovens, which use 1,000- 3,000 watts, or washing machines, which use 400-1,400 watts, refrigerators still use more energy overall. Why? Because, unlike every other appliance in your home, refrigerators stay on 24 hours a day- you never turn them off. Thus, refrigerators use the most energy per week in the average household. This makes it even more important for you to consider the energy your refrigerator is using in its lifetime.
Benefits of Energy-Efficient Refrigerators
The greatest benefit of energy-efficient refrigerators is, of course, their reduced impact on the environment. Energy Star-certified refrigerators are still just as effective as typical refrigerators while protecting our air quality and the environment, etc. Another incredible benefit of these refrigerators is they save you money over time! By using less power and energy, your electric bills will be slightly less each month, and by the end of the year, you can save hundreds of dollars by using energy-efficient appliances.
➝ Learn More: How Many Watts Does a Refrigerator Use?
Pictured: Frigidaire Professional® 18.6 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel All Refrigerator
Which Refrigerator Type is Best for Energy Consumption?
While many styles and types of refrigerators have the Energy Star certification, there are differences in how much energy they take to run. See below for a few examples of how much energy each refrigerator style typically uses.
Bottom-Freezer Refrigerators
Research has shown that bottom-freezer refrigerators are on the lower end of energy users. This style typically uses less than 300 kWh per year, which is vastly less than many of its counterparts.
Top-Freezer Refrigerators
This refrigerator model is the winner in energy efficiency by far. Top-freezer refrigerators are noted for using 10-30% less energy than other refrigerator styles!
Column Refrigerators
These models are in the mid-range for energy efficiency, coming in at around 300-400 kWh of power usage per year. Column refrigerators have relatively low energy usage since they do not contain a freezer. This allows the entire machine to stay at one consistent temperature and thus cuts down on the energy needed for it to run effectively.
Counter-Depth Refrigerators
A counter-depth refrigerator comes in a tad on the higher-energy level side. They use around 500-600 kWh of power per year. While this is higher than some other models, this refrigerator style is still able to hold an Energy Star rating for itself and is more energy efficient than many other appliances.
French Door Refrigerators
These refrigerators tend to use more power than other models. However, a French door refrigerator is still a nice option if you want a classy, chic refrigerator that is still Energy Star certified! Coming in around 500- 600 kWh of power per year, this is a stylish, yet energy-efficient choice for your home.
Side-By-Side Refrigerators
Side-by-side refrigerators are another energy-saving option. Though they use the most power out of the previously mentioned models at 600-700 kWh of power per year, they still qualify as Energy Star certified and will help you be more cost and energy efficient.
➝ Related: Save in Style: 5 Energy Efficient Washer & Dryer Sets [+ Tips]
Pictured: Samsung 11.3 Cu. Ft. Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Steel Bottom Freezer Refrigerator
Brands With Energy Efficient Refrigeration Products
In this day and age, many brands have caught on to the popularity and advantages of energy-efficient appliances and have begun to make more products with this in mind. Appliance brands that make Energy Star-certified refrigerators include Beko, Fisher & Paykel, Miele, Bosch, and GE. Each of these brands has multiple options for Energy Star appliances, so no matter which brand you decide to shop with, there will be energy-efficient options for you to choose from.
Beko Refrigerators
Beko 11.4 Cu. Ft. Fingerprint Free Stainless Steel Bottom Freezer Refrigerator
Shop Beko's Bottom Freezer Refrigerator
This energy efficient refrigerator contains incredible features like NeoFrost Dual Cooling Technology and an Active Fresh Blue Light to keep your food fresh. This model was also the winner of the 2020 ENERGY STAR Emerging Technology Award, and you can rest assured you will be using energy responsibly with this refrigerator. It is noted to likely use only 286 kWh per year, a much lower number than many of its counterparts.
⇨ See More: Beko Energy Star Certified Refrigerators
Model: BFBF2414SS
Dimensions: (H) 67.78” x (W) 23.44” x (D) 24.5”
Total Capacity: 11.42 Cu. Ft.
GE Refrigerators
GE® 17.5 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Top Freezer Refrigerator
Shop GE's Top Freezer Refrigerator
This Energy Star Certified refrigerator from GE contains beautiful LED lighting, a dairy compartment, adjustable wire freezer shelving, as well as up-front temperature controls. Besides its many features and user-friendly design, this refrigerator is also Energy Star certified, using only 359 kWh per year, which is sure to reduce your current energy usage greatly!
⇨ See More: GE Energy Star Certified Refrigerators
Model: GTE18GSNRSS
Dimensions: (H) 67.38” x (W) 28”” x (D) 32.63”
Total Capacity: 17.5 Cu. Ft.
Fisher & Paykel Refrigerators
Fisher & Paykel Series 9 10.7 Cu. Ft. Panel Ready Built In Bottom Freezer Refrigerator
Shop Fisher & Paykel's Panel-Ready Bottom Freezer Refrigerator
With WiFi capability, an internal water and ice dispenser, and a flush-fit design, this refrigerator is a must-have for your kitchen. It is extremely energy efficient as well, with a 382 kWh estimated yearly power usage, highly deserving of its Energy Star certification.
⇨ See More: Fisher & Paykel Energy Star Certified Refrigerators
Model: RS2474BRU1
Dimensions: (H) 73.63” x (W) 23.31”” x (D) 22.69”
Total Capacity: 10.7 Cu. Ft.
Bosch Refrigerators
Bosch Benchmark® Series 16.8 Cu. Ft. Custom Panel Built-in Column Refrigerator
Shop Bosch's Column Refrigerator
This eco-friendly fridge boasts incredible features like MultiAirFlow™, Home Connect via your smart device, and excellent LED lighting. Plus, it has an extremely low energy usage estimate at 279 kWh per year, making it one of the most energy-efficient models on the market.
⇨ See More: Bosch Energy Star Certified Refrigerators
Model: B30IR905SP
Dimensions: (H) 84” x (W) 29.75”” x (D) 23.94”
Total Capacity: 16.8 Cu. Ft.
Miele Refrigerators
Miele PerfectCool 10.9 Cu. Ft. Panel Ready Built-In Column Refrigerator
Shop Miele's Panel-Ready Column Refrigerator
This model from Miele brings features like PerfectFresh to keep your food crisp, as well as ComfortClean door shelves that can be removed and washed in your dishwasher. Plus, this eco-friendly model only uses around 283 kWh annually, incredibly low power usage for such a large appliance. This refrigerator certainly deserves its Energy Star rating!
⇨ See More: Miele Energy Star Certified Refrigerators
Model: KS 37472 iD
Dimensions: (H) 69.75” x (W) 22.13” x (D) 21.5”
Total Capacity: 10.9 Cu. Ft.
FAQs: Energy Star Refrigerators
Does an Energy Star refrigerator work as well as a regular refrigerator?
Yes, Energy Star-certified refrigerators perform just as efficiently as regular refrigerators, so you don’t need to worry about sacrificing cooling power. These refrigerators simply save you money and energy usage at the same time!
How do you know if an appliance is Energy Star certified?
Appliances with the Energy Star certification are always clearly labeled with a white star on a blue background, with the words “Energy Star” clearly written on the bottom. This credential is typically seen somewhere on the product, often on the appliance’s label. If you look up an appliance online, it will tell you on any given website where the item is sold if the appliance is Energy Star certified as well.
How much are Energy Star refrigerators?
Energy Star refrigerator prices are comparable to a regular refrigerator price. The average price can be anywhere from $800- $7,000. Prices all depend on what brand, style, and features you are looking for. Some stores will even offer Energy Star refrigerator rebates so you can save money while still getting an amazing, energy-efficient appliance.
Why Trust Albert Lee?
Since 1939, Albert Lee Appliance, a three-generation, family-owned business, continues to grow and serve the greater Seattle area with quality you can count on and service you can trust. We are proud to have served this community for so long and wouldn’t be here without our loyal customers. There is a reason why we are Washington’s largest independent appliance dealer, and it’s not a secret. Simply put: We have the experience. We are the original appliance experts for over eight decades (and counting).
Shop Refrigerators at Albert Lee
At Albert Lee Appliance, we provide quality name-brand appliances for great prices. Shop refrigerators online or visit us today at one of our six locations in Puget Sound, WA. In the meantime, browse our website to shop Albert Lee appliance sales and check out Albert Lee appliance reviews online to ensure every purchase is an informed one. More available than ever, our experts at Albert Lee Appliance are always happy to help you find Energy-Star refrigerators, whether you call us or use our online chat feature. Contact us today!
Learn More: Energy Efficient Dryers Help You Live More Sustainably