By Brian Merchant
Brooklyn, NY, USA | Tue Jan 27 17:10:00 GMT 2009
Out of all the appliances around your home, refrigerators are among the major usurpers of household electricity—and often they're the prime energy user. Makes sense, right? They're just about the only appliance that's on all the time—365 electricity-draining days of the year. In fact, the Department of Energy estimates that 14 percent of a given household's energy is drained by its fridge.
The good news is far more efficient, eco-friendly refrigerators are emerging. And this revolution includes the bottom freezer refrigerator, which uses around 16 percent less energy than side-by-side refrigerator models , according to the Consumer Energy Center. Many now carry Energy Star-approved ratings, and some even boast solar power compatibility. Afraid to get lost amidst the options? The bottom freezer refrigerators on this list range from eco-friendly no frills models, to capacious, family-sized-but-still-green workhorses, to elegant yet efficient options. Energy savers take note: All electric bill estimates are based on the $.11 per kilowatt national average for 2008.
A few general pointers:
1. Look for the Energy Star label to confirm high efficiency standards.
2. Forget the ice machine—automatic ice makers use between 15-20 percent more energy. Needlessly. Opt for the good ol' fashioned ice cube tray.
3. Big is not better: Small fridges almost always use less electricity. Aim to meet your needs without going overboard.
Why We Like It: Sun Frost makes some of the most innovative, sophisticated refrigerators on the market—using a fraction of the energy tapped by the other fridges on this list. Available with the freezer on top or bottom, the RF19 is custom-designed and tailored to your liking—down to the hinges and the siding. The downside? It's a tad pricey—but if you're a serious conservationist, or a fan of independent innovation, Sun Frost is the best of the best.
Eco Factor: Through the roof—the top-mounted cooling system is responsible for much of the über-efficiency: The heat RF19 generates during operation never reenters the refrigerator, among other advantages. To top it off, it uses so little power that it can hook up to solar power systems, conveniently running on either AC or DC currents.
Estimated Annual Electric Bill: About 281 kilowatt-hours a year or $31.
Where: Sun Frost
Image courtesy of Sun Frost
Why We Like It: Kenmore consistently makes solid, affordable, energy efficient refrigerators, and the 65962 18.5 Cubic Foot Bottom Freezer Refrigerator is no exception. It has plenty of space for the average family, features a sound reduction system, and comes with a minimal and timeless design.
Eco Factor: Along with Energy Star certification, this model has an advanced cooling system and improved temperature control when compared to earlier models, and limited interior lighting.
Estimated Annual Electric Bill: 476 kilowatt-hours a year, or $52
Where: Kenmore
How Much: Currently on sale for $760
Image courtesy of Kenmore
Why We Like It: We love when green and style go hand-in-hand: Samsung's RF266ABPN is plated with stainless steel with striking French doors. Apparently, this love is shared by Consumer Reports: They rated it the most energy efficient fridge in their Green Choice refrigerator roundup. That said, at 25.8 cubic feet, this fridge is the biggest on this list, so only purchase this model if you absolutely need supersized cooling (say for a family of five or larger).
Eco Factor: Those French doors have tight-sealing technology that minimizes the amount of cool air that escapes. Along with impressive efficiency, this fridge has the added bonus of an internal water filtration system, which promotes drinking from the tap (er, fridge) and discourages wasteful bottled water purchases.
Estimated Annual Electric Bill: 470 kilowatt-hours a year, or about $52
Where: Sears
How Much: Currently on sale for $1710
Image courtesy of Number1Appliance
Why We Like It: The LRBN20512 Bottom Freezer Refrigerator from LG Electronics is not the most eco-friendly fridge on the market—more middle of the range green—but you get 20 cubic feet (13.4 for the fridge, 6.3 for the freezer) for cheap, cheap, cheap. If price is your bottom line this LG model is a good bet.
Eco Factor: It's Energy Star certified and comes with precise temperature control. Two different temperature controls allow you to turn down the freezer independently from the fridge, for those days when you want your ice cream soft. You could even switch the freezer off when not needed for extra energy savings.
Estimated Annual Electric Bill: 470 kilowatt-hours a year, or about $52
Where: Try LG's dealer locator or retailers including Home Depot and P.C. Richard and Son.
How Much: $800
Image courtesy of LG Electronics
Why We Like It: The CS 1601 from Liebherr could be considered the luxury cooling machine on this list. Sleek stainless steel clads all four sides, so it still looks sharp in a corner nook. Precise electronic controls keep cold air from escaping when the door is open and stylish scratch-resistant glass shelves insure the inside is as elegant as the out.
Eco Factor: Liebherr's company-wide initiative Active Green meets both Energy Star and U.K. certifier RoHS criteria ("the restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment"). Packaging is completely recycled, a smart production system recovers energy for reuse in heating corporate facilities, and waste is kept at a minimal.
Estimated Annual Electric Bill: 433 kilowatt-hours a year, or around $48.
Where: Try Liebherr's dealer locator or online at Home Click.
How much: $3,600
Image courtesy of Liebherr Appliances
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