Day 146 – The EPA says you should replace most appliances after 10 years. However, some appliances may last a little longer than others. I’ve been through a couple washer and dryers in that time frame, but the refrigerator is still plugging along. Energy Star has created a calculator for refrigerators to figure out if the savings justify the cost of replacement.

“If all refrigerators sold in the United States were Energy Star certified, the energy cost savings would grow to nearly $700 million each year and 9 billion pounds of annual greenhouse gas emissions would be prevented, equivalent to the emissions from more than 870,000 vehicles.” – Earth911

Earth911 created a Buyer’s Guide for the most efficient refrigerators. They compared ten of the most efficient standard-sized options from Energy Star’s 2021 Most Efficient list that are currently available for purchase.

If you are in the market for a new refrigerator make sure your old one gets recycled. Many retailers will take your old refrigerator when dropping off your new one. Be sure to ask about their recycling practices.

Lastly, whether if your refrigerator is brand new or has been around for few years here are some good tips from Earth911, to keep it running efficiently.

1. Refrigerators should be set to 35-38 degrees Fahrenheit and freezers to 0 F.
2. If your kitchen layout permits it, the refrigerator should be positioned away from heat sources such as ovens, dishwashers, or direct sunlight from a window.
3. Position the fridge a few inches from the wall to allow air circulation.
4. Don’t store stuff on top of the fridge.
5. Clean the condenser coils a few times a year.
6. If the door seals lose their airtightness, replace them.
7. Only store food in closed containers to keep the moisture levels low.
8. Keep the refrigerator three-quarters full but organized, so you don’t waste time looking for things with the door open.

We don’t think about them, until the electricity goes out. But, our refrigerators are working hard for us everyday. We should make sure we are doing what we can to make them as efficient as possible.

Tomorrow, eco-friendly sunscreens.