Energy Efficient Refrigerators and Freezers

Before buying a fridge or freezer you should first decide on what size and features you need. If you are living by yourself, a small single door fridge may be sufficient for your needs, whereas a family of five may need a much larger fridge.

Energy Star Rating Labels

Refrigerator energy rating label. Click to see a larger view.

The energy-rating label displayed on a fridge/freezer shows an energy consumption figure and a star rating from one to six.

Choosing an energy efficient model is as simple as comparing the stars. More stars in the label
means that the fridge/freezer uses less electricity to achieve the same level of performance than a comparable model. The maximum is six stars.

Operating costs can be calculated simply by multiplying the energy consumption figure by
the current domestic electricity tariff of 15.01 cents per kilowatthour.

 

Types of fridges and freezers

Cyclic defrost fridge/freezers.
These types of fridges and freezers require manual defrosting regularly.

Frost free fridges
These types of fridges and freezers use a little more energy than cyclic defrost models due to the energy use of the fan and a need to defrost both the freezer and fresh food compartment. However, some well designed frost-free fridges have lower energy use than some cyclic defrost models.

Vertical/upright freezers
These have a front-opening door. Contents can be checked, packed and unloaded relatively quickly and this minimises the time the door is open.

Chest freezers
They have a top opening and are generally more economical to run as they hold cold air more efficiently.

Handy Hints

• Make sure the doors are well sealed. Test them by sliding a piece of paper around the seal. If it is a good seal the paper should not move easily. Turn on a torch and place it inside the fridge, you should not be able to see any light around the seals.
• Place your fridge/freezer in a cool position. Leave a gap behind it to allow adequate airflow around the coils.
• Clean the coils at the back of the fridge/freezer when dust accumulates.
• Regular defrosting of manual units helps maintain performance and energy efficiency.
• Allow food to cool before putting it in the fridge/freezer.
• Do not open the door too often or for too long.
• Do not place the fridge/freezer near the oven or stove, or against an uninsulated wall which faces the sun.
• When going away for long periods, empty, clean and turn off the fridge and leave the door open.
• Choose a fridge matched to your needs. A bigger fridge increases your electricity account.

COOLmob
Power and Water sponsor COOLmob to provide subsidised home energy audits and water audits. For more information about reducing energy and water consumption and to organise a $10 audit visit www.coolmob.org for Darwin or www.dkacoolmob.org for Alice Springs and Tennant Creek.