A 2021 statista survey indicates that 9% of American households own a major smart appliance ie. a refrigerator, a washing machine, a dishwasher among others. In 2020, the study proved that refrigeration is now part of individuals and a major technique in preserving food.
In the US alone, refrigerators fetch a market revenue of 100 billion dollars from an average of 200 million units sold annually. Samsung, Whirlpool, KitchenAid, and Frigidaire are among the popular refrigerator makers worldwide and in 2020, Whirlpool alone generated 6.06 billion US dollars. There is no doubt that the use of refrigerators is increasing, and the major consideration when buying one is energy efficiency. Let’s dwell on this matter!
Energy-Efficiency
Here are a few things you need to know;
- It’s best to have one refrigerator that is fully functional than two smaller refrigerators.
- Energy consumption increases with the increase in the size of a refrigerator.
- It’s best to buy a small fridge, i.e., a counter-depth refrigerator if you don’t have a family, never cook or never stock groceries.
- Check the energy stars on the refrigerator before buying one.
- Extra features like ice-makers or an anti-sweat heater can increase energy consumption.
Is the option Eco-friendly?
Refrigeration appliances contain halocarbons that contribute to the greenhouse effect. Although these gases are used to prevent heat from escaping, they have a major effect on the ozone layer which contributes to global warming.
From 2021, new refrigerators will use R-600a (GWP of 5) and you can confirm that from the sticker placed in the refrigerator. It is important to note that many refrigerators have HCFC as a refrigerant.
Is Recycling Enough?
There is a huge environmental impact caused by refrigerators in case they are improperly used or recycled. When a refrigerator is improperly disposed, it releases around 3.7 metric tons of carbon dioxide. Canada and US, are among the countries trying to eliminate the use of HFC. New appliances have hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and have no impact on the ozone layer.
A Few Hints
- If it’s a freestanding refrigerator, make sure to place it 3 inches away from the wall.
- Avoid opening the refrigerator door unnecessarily, and if the door seals lose their tightness, ensure to replace them.
- Set your refrigerator to 35- 38 degrees Fahrenheit and freezers to 0 F.
- Turn off the extra features like the ice-maker.
- Check and clean the condenser coils a few times a year.
- Don’t place anything on the top of the refrigerator.
- Replace an old refrigerator.
Whether you’re using a counter-depth refrigerator, side-by-side refrigerator, or any other refrigerator, it should be noted that not all refrigerators are equal or energy-efficient equivalently. Ensure that the refrigerant of your old refrigerator is properly disposed. For this, ensure that you contact the right service provider.
In case you want to save energy, it’s best to replace an old refrigerator with a new one. Make sure that you turn off the refrigerator in conditions where it’s necessary, most especially in the winters. However, that will not be necessary in the summers. This way, you can save some energy.
