Guide for Purchasing Refrigerators: French door, side-by-side, and water-connected models
In the ever-evolving world of home appliances, selecting an energy-efficient refrigerator has become a priority for many households. With numerous types and models available, understanding the key factors that contribute to a fridge's energy efficiency is essential for making an informed decision.
There are several types of refrigerators on the market, including top-mount, bottom-mount, side-by-side, French door, quad door, pigeon pair, built-in, bar, and wine fridges. Each design offers unique advantages, but energy efficiency varies.
When it comes to energy efficiency, the average Australian energy rate is 25 cents per kWh. To optimise efficiency, refrigerators should be set to 3°C for the fridge and around -18°C for the freezer. To calculate the annual cost of a fridge, multiply the energy consumption figure by your electricity tariff, which can be found on your energy bill.
When choosing a refrigerator, consider the household size and food storage needs. Households require 250-380 litres for 1-2 people, 350-530 litres for 3-4 people, and 440+ litres for 5+ people. The fridge must also fit in the available space in the kitchen, so measure the space including height, width, and depth, and account for door clearance and transportation.
In terms of energy-efficient refrigerators, top-freezer models tend to use the least energy compared to bottom-freezer or side-by-side designs. Refrigerators with fewer doors also reduce air leakage when opened, improving energy efficiency. Some high-end models, especially those with French-door designs, include energy-saving features and advanced compressors that help improve efficiency, but generally use more energy than top-freezer models.
For the most energy-efficient refrigerators on the market, look for models that are ENERGY STAR certified and have designs encouraging minimal energy use. Models carrying this label are in the top 25% of most efficient refrigerators on the market. Additionally, refrigerators in the size range of 16-20 cubic feet generally use less energy, and those using refrigerants like R-600a and R-441A are more climate-friendly.
Based on research and reviews, top energy-efficient refrigerators often include the Samsung 4-Door Flex with AI Family Hub+, Hisense Pureflat 4-Door Smart French Door, LG Signature Smart French Door, Hamilton Beach HBF1770 Top-Freezer, and Bosch 800 Series French Door Bottom Mount.
For maximum energy savings, a top-freezer ENERGY STAR certified refrigerator around 16-20 cubic feet is your best choice. If you prefer French-door models with more features, look for ENERGY STAR certification and check EnergyGuide labels for operating costs.
When disposing of an old fridge, check with the retailer during delivery if they will take it away. If not, contact your local council to ask if they will collect it during a hard waste collection. Ensure fridges put out for hard rubbish collection have their doors taped shut or removed. If the fridge is in good condition, consider donating it to a charity or selling it online.
In conclusion, prioritising ENERGY STAR certification, a top-freezer or efficient French-door model with fewer doors, and refrigerants with low global warming potential will ensure the best energy efficiency. With the growing concern for energy consumption and environmental impact, choosing an energy-efficient refrigerator has never been more important.
In the home-and-garden sphere, selecting an energy-efficient refrigerator is a crucial aspect of one's lifestyle, especially with the current focus on reducing energy consumption. Regarding the most efficient refrigerators in the market, top-freezer models are generally more energy-efficient compared to bottom-freezer or side-by-side designs. When disposing of an old fridge, pursuing ENERGY STAR certified refrigerators is recommended for both lifestyle and environmental concerns, as they are found in the top 25% of most energy-efficient refrigerators on the market.
