A Simple Way to Save Some Energy

Did you know that refrigerators and freezers use about a sixth of all electricity in a typical home – that is more electricity than any other single household appliance. Thankfully, over past years refrigerators have become more energy-efficient. Today’s refrigerators use about 60 percent less electricity on average than  pre-1993 models.

Once you opt to buy a new, energy-efficient fridge you have to decide what to do with that old, energy-wasting second refrigerator. National Grid launched a Refrigerator/Freezer Recycling Program in Upstate New York where they will pay customers $30 plus free pickup of old, energy wasting second refrigerators and freezers. This program is not yet available throughout the country, but many local appliance shops have a recycling program in place-you will need to check in with a shop in your area.

Many of us are choosing to hold onto those old fridges and using them in garages or basements. According to the US Department of Energy, about 26 percent of homes have a second refrigerator-that’s a pretty big number! Seems like an OK thing to do…….it’s nice to have the extra space for drinks and extra food. But there is a big downside to this.

If you have a pre- 1993 fridge, here are some interesting facts:

• If you ditch your pre-1993 fridge, you’ll save enough on energy costs to buy coffee for nearly 80 days.
• If every American home replaced its pre-1993 fridge with an Energy Star model, we would prevent annual greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those of more than 8.3 million cars.
• Unplug your second fridge and save $100 to $200 on your annual energy bill.

Unplugging an old refrigerator or freezer is a simple way to reduce your impact on the environment-it benefits the planet, your wallet and energy conservation efforts.

Do you have a second fridge or freezer?  Are you willing to unplug?