Energy-Star refrigerators have recently emerged as products of mindful technology that enable energy savings of 15%. In an era of preservation and environmentalism, many manufacturers have taken it upon themselves to become more conscious of energy spending and started investing in energy-efficient machines.
Commercial kitchens and similar establishments are among the top consumers of energy in day-to-day life. Switching to more mindful equipment is quite beneficial for the business owner and the environment. The same goes for homes, too, since almost every house has at least a fridge they rely on daily.
Due to this commonness and frequency of use, ENERGY STAR refrigerators are a top concern for many individuals and businesses. With a bit of care and research before your purchase or renovations, you can find suitable ENERGY STAR fridges to invest in and benefit from the advantages their efficiency could bring to your life.
What does ENERGY STAR Mean?
ENERGY STAR is a certification method based on the criteria set by the US Environmental Protection Agency or the US Department of Energy. This government-backed program offers guidance to the public about which products are better for the planet and their pockets.
A manufacturer needs to obtain a written certification document from a recognized establishment to use the label. The certification process is expected to be thorough, including tests in recognized laboratories to ensure the product adheres to the set criteria. While the subject in focus here is ENERGY STAR refrigerators, it is worth noting that EPA has different standards for other commercial products. You cannot necessarily apply what you know about one product to another.
What does an ENERGY STAR Refrigerator Mean?
Having the ENERGY STAR label on a fridge or having an ENERGY STAR certified refrigerator means that your brand has ENERGY Star certification in this product line, and your product is an ENERGY STAR refrigerator and thus adheres to the standards set by EPA. They are similar to or better than the classic commercial refrigerators with the crucial difference that they spend less energy.
ENERGY STAR units are known to be at least 15% more efficient than their industry counterparts, thanks to improved insulation and compressor technology. While the federal codes set a base for efficiency in each fridge on the market, investing in an ENERGY STAR refrigerator will prove more cost-effective in the long run with all the money it will save you.
What to Look for When Purchasing an ENERGY STAR Refrigerator
Energy efficiency is a top priority, and there are several details you can pay attention to when buying a fridge. If you want to get the most out of your refrigerator in terms of efficiency, consider the following;
- ENERGY STAR label is, of course, what you should look for. The label is a technical proof of efficiency for your fridge.
- You can compare the EnergyGuide labels of your options to get an insight into how well they operate in comparison to each other. EnergyGuide is a federal program similar to ENERGY STAR. It estimates how much energy the machine will spend in a given time. With the insight this label offers, you can get an idea of how much money you would need to spend on your refrigerator in the long run.
- The space allocated for the refrigerator is also a point of consideration for efficiency. Remember that the fridge will need room to open up and work properly. Federal and local codes offer regulations on treating and placing your machines. While it is usually around an inch or two, you can look into your area’s codes to better understand what to do.
- Energy-saver switches and self-closing doors are additional touches that can enhance your refrigerator’s efficiency. If your product possesses these qualities, you can rest assured that it won’t spend more energy than needed. Self-closing doors will ensure the fridge isn’t left open by mistake, and the switch will give you better control over the anti-sweat heaters, which can save you quite a bit of energy in the long run.
Are ENERGY STAR Refrigerators Worth it?
The notion of worth is a frequently debated subject when it comes to new technologies. Most buyers will be hesitant to spend more on the initial stage or wonder whether replacing their current product with an ENERGY STAR refrigerator is worth it.
The EPA’s website provides the Flip Your Fridge tool to calculate how much you will save in the long run. To clear your mind of any doubts, you can enter the data regarding your current or old refrigerator and see how it fares compared to an ENERGY STAR refrigerator. It is exhilarating to realize that your investment buys itself in a couple of years with all the money you save on energy.
ENERGY STAR Achievements
Since its founding in 1992, the ENERGY STAR program has achieved many things. It partnered with thousands of brands to protect the climate and create cost-effective products. It spread its ideals throughout the United States and gained influence and reputation.
The material results of the program are not to be overlooked. Using ENERGY STAR refrigerators and similar products in houses and workplaces saved America 5 trillion kilowatt-hours of electricity in addition to 500 billion dollars in energy costs. The shift to ENERGY STAR refrigerators and other ENERGY STAR products resulted in a 4 billion metric tons reduction of greenhouse gas. So the program’s slogan, cool for you, cool for the planet, does not falter in reality and proves to be true significantly in the long run. To participate in this big change, you can take a small step and purchase from ENERGY STAR partners.
Conclusion
ENERGY STAR is a valuable government-backed program that ensures we all take a step towards transitioning to safe and efficient energy consumption. As refrigerators are the most frequently used pieces of kitchen equipment in our lives, it is smart to invest in an ENERGY STAR refrigerator.
By looking into ENERGY STAR partners and getting an ENERGY STAR refrigerator, you can join this rising trend and achieve cost efficiency and environmental safety at the same time. Thanks to this system of conscious investment and care, you can be sure it will be cool for you and the planet.
