Problem
Energy Use
Freezers are responsible for 3.5% of all household energy use in the US.
Solution
Go Green Living Tips
Use It All
Even the smallest freezer is often more than a standard family needs. If you find yourself running on half empty most of the time, partition off a section with some cardboard and invite your friends or neighbors to store their food in it.
Chest over Stand-Up
While you don’t see them too much anymore, stand-up freezers are less efficient than chest freezers and should be avoided. Chest freezers often feature wall insulation, while stand up freezers do not.
Size it Up
You don’t need more than 4.5 cubic feet of capacity per person in the family. Any more and not only will you be diving to get at your food, you’ll be wasting energy as well.
Check with your Gov
Grants for energy efficient freezers are usually available at some government level. Make sure that you are buying one that qualifies.
Go Stellar
Where available, pick a freezer with an Energy Star logo. Standard Energy Star models use over 10% less energy than standard models, and compact models (models that use less than 7.75 cubic feet) use 20% less than “standard” non- Energy Star models.
Space It Out and Clean It
Whether you have a new or an old freezer, clean your condenser coils once every six months, and leave a space between the wall and the coils to encourage air circulation. This will improve efficiency.
Super Green Me Tips
Do You Need It?
Most people start considering a chest freezer when they get sick of jamming items into their freezer. For many people a freezer falls into the “nice-to-have” category, making it an unnecessary suck on your household electricity bill. Unlike a fridge, a freezer is almost always on. Consider the following before purchasing one:
1. Do you end up throwing out most of your freezer items?
If so, don’t bother with the freezer – just be more conscious of what is in it.
2. Do you have a large family?
If so, you will economize by buying in bulk. Buying larger items in larger packages is also better for the environment. If you only have one child, chances are good you can make do with your current fridge freezer.
3. Are you rural or urban?
If you live within stone’s throw of a grocery store, there’s really no need to buy a chest freezer unless you have a massive family. If you are driving 50 km to pick up your groceries, the freezer may pay for itself in a year with the way gas prices are going.
Effectiveness / Result
The Facts
Freezers separate from a fridge are responsible for 3.5% of all household energy usage.
Recent research/reports/investigations/surveys/studies related to topic
Energy Consumption Canada 1990-2004
http://www.oee.rncan.gc.ca/Publications/statistics/cama06/chapter2.cfm?attr=0
