Originally published on Global Warming: Man or Myth
by Scott Mandia
Simple. Replace that old refrigerator with a modern energy-saving unit. I am saving $263 per year with my new refrigerator.
Back in February, 2010, in a post titled I am Saving 21% on my Electric Bill – So Can You!, I showed how easy it was for me to reduce home energy consumption by initiating a few simple “green” actions in the previous two years:
- Changed all of my light bulbs to CFL (Compact Fluorescent Lamp)
- Turned down the oil burner thermostat
- Changed the line-powered sidewalk lights to solar
- Insulated all my copper piping
Since then, I had replaced every major appliance in the house from oil burner to microwave oven. However, the refrigerator was the one exception. The model I had was a 1986 GE 22 cubic foot energy hog that I just knew was sucking up the juice. I decided to find out how much that old model was costing me.
I visited the Energy Star Refrigerator Retirement Savings Calculator, entered my utility rate and old model, and the site calculated a savings for me of $263 per year.
My calculated electric savings with the new fridge
The new refrigerator’s up-front cost will be recovered in fewer than five years and after that it is money in the bank. Go to the calculator linked above, enter your electric rate (view your bill or use the state average) and your old model, and see how much you can save.
Just another example of how we can help save the planet AND make money doing so.
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