Sustainability and eco-friendly features are a priority these days, and appliance manufacturer’s are stepping up to the plate. By and large, the refrigerator is the most energy-consumptive appliance in the kitchen line-up. Using roughly 4% of the household’s total energy use, followed by the electric oven and the dishwasher.
For that reason, it makes sense to select a refrigerator that is designed for energy-efficiency, as well as whole-kitchen efficiency, as you plan your Chicago kitchen remodel.
Energy Efficient Refrigerators Save Money and Resources
Here are some of the most eco-friendly refrigerators on the market right now. We selected the following brand-specific models based on the comprehensive review process set by the experts at Consumer Reports. Average total energy spending is reflected in parentheses.
Anything with an ENERGY STAR logo
First and foremost, make the ENERGY STAR logo your guide when selecting refrigerators for your new Chicago kitchen design, as well as other household appliances and electronics.
That logo signifies the appliance or gadget in question is designed to exceed current federal energy efficiency guidelines and recommendations. In almost all cases, the extra money you’ll spend on efficiency comes back to you – and then some – by way of reduced utility bills.
Do you want a top freezer?
Most homeowners prefer side-by-side or bottom-freezer refrigerator models. However, we also find that homeowners who like to cook a lot, and who minimize the amount of frozen and processed foods they consume prefer as much refrigerator storage as possible to store their fresh produce, dairy and meat products.
In this case, the award goes to Samsung’s Top Freezer RT21M6215SG ($62) . In addition to a generous 21+ cubic feet of space, the dual-evaporator system prevents air from flowing between the freezer and the fridge – so you can change the top compartment back and forth between freezer and refrigerator as desired.
Prefer your freezer on the bottom?
The Kenmore Elite79043 or the LG LDC24370ST are designed for those who like their fridge on top, freezer on the bottom. Both cost about $61 per year to run and it isn't a coincidence since LG actually manufacturers some of the Kenmore appliances. These two models also share similarity in size (17 cubic feet), as well as certain features, including icemakers, touchpad controls and spill-proof shelves.
Are you more of a side-by-side refrigerator fan?
Perhaps the most popular refrigerator typeis the side-by-side option, and in this department the Samsung RH25H5611SR ($83) is the winner. This model also uses dual-evaporators, to keep freezer and refrigerated air separate. It comes with all the typically-desired features – exterior water/ice dispenser, digital controls, an open-door alarm – for a reasonable price ($1500).
Looking for an energy-efficient luxury model?
If you’re looking for an energy-efficient luxury fridge, we have you covered there as well.
- 3-Door French Door: LG LFC24770ST ($61)
- 4-Door French Door: Samsung RF31FMESBSR ($87)
- Built-In: Jenn-Air JF46NXFXDE ($58)
Is an energy-efficient kitchen design important to you? Schedule a consultation with the design professionals here at Kitchens & Baths Unlimited. We’ve designed and built hundreds of Chicagoland’s most desirable, customized kitchens and we look forward to doing the same for you.
