If your refrigerator was purchased before 1993, it probably uses 30% more electricity than a new model – and nearly 50% more than a new ENERGY STAR qualified model. Worse, if you have a second refrigerator (you know, the old one in the garage?) then you could be paying $115 a year just to keep those extra sodas cool.

The good news is you can save energy and money by purchasing a new refrigerator and recycling the old unit now. Even if your refrigerator has seven or more years of life left in it, it could still be worthwhile to upgrade.

Why Buy an Energy-Efficient Refrigerator?

• Cut energy use 30 to 40%. A typical, new 18.5 cubic feet top-mount freezer (without a through-the-door ice dispenser) can use between 30 and 40% less electricity than a 10-year-old unit (using 442 to 491 kilowatt-hours (kWh) vs. 706 kWh).
• Save money. Replace your pre-1993 refrigerator with an ENERGY STAR model, and save $53 annually.*
• Help protect the environment. Replacing a 10-year-old refrigerator with a new ENERGY STAR qualified model saves enough energy to light the average household for a month and a half and prevents the release of an additional 60 pounds of carbon dioxide emitted from burning fossil fuels to generate electricity. Carbon dioxide is a major potential contributor to climate change.
• Recycle your old refrigerator for free and receive a valuable "bonus." Many areas of the state pick up and recycle your inefficient old or second refrigerator through an appliance and refrigerator recycling program. The service is free and you receive at least $35 per old refrigerator replaced. Visit Rebates, Incentives & Services to find these programs.

*Savings estimates based on average energy use at $0.14 cents per kWh. Actual savings will vary.

Next Steps

Find Rebates, Incentives & Services

Appliance and Refrigerator Recycling: Many areas of the state pick up and recycle your inefficient old or second refrigerator. Search now.

Energy Tips

Choose a refrigerator with a freezer on top. The top-freezer model uses 7 to 13% less energy than a side-by-side model. More tips.

Product Guides

See Flex Your Power's guide to energy-efficient refrigerators for more detail about what makes it energy efficient, how to make the best choice and for a list of ENERGY STAR qualified manufacturers. Product Guides.