My refrigerator is very old, but still works fine. Is it worth it to replace it with a new, ENERGY STAR® qualified refrigerator?

To decide whether you should replace your refrigerator/freezer, it’s important to ask yourself the following questions:

How old is your refrigerator?
If your refrigerator was purchased before 1993, it is likely using a significant amount of energy. Also keep in mind that the refrigerant starts to wear out and seals start to leak over time, causing the unit’s performance to suffer. In most cases, older fridges use twice as much energy as newer ENERGY STAR® qualified models.

How much are you paying to keep your refrigerator running?
In most cases, refrigerators manufactured before 1993 cost over $65 more per year to operate than new ENERGY STAR qualified models. Refrigerators manufactured before 1980 can cost about $200 more per year. If your old refrigerator has high operating costs, consider switching to a high-efficiency model that can help save you money on your utility bills.

For more information, visit ENERGY STAR.

Did you see a building science or energy efficiency term you did not understand? Check out our glossary.