Retail Store
5939 Main Street, East Petersburg, PA 17520
717-569-0439
View Google Map

Reviewing Our Favorite Energy Efficient Refrigerators

Reviewing Our Favorite Energy Efficient Refrigerators

April 29, 2019

With Earth Day just past us in mid-April, we’ve been thinking and talking to our customers about recent energy efficiency improvements in some of the hardest working home appliances, which have been extensive and are truly impressive. Consumers have by and large become more energy savings-conscious over the years, and major appliance manufacturers have responded to create some excellent products that save you money by saving power.

Because they are in operation 24/7, refrigerators are well known to be some of the most power-hungry appliances in our homes, and it’s true that you can save significantly on your electricity bill by replacing an old, inefficient fridge with a new ENERGY STAR certified model.

Today’s blog post reviews five of our top picks that have earned the valued ENERGY STAR seal from the United States government, which signals that you may save up to $300 in power costs over the next five years of operating your refrigerator.

Why buy an energy efficient fridge?

Did you know that the newest, most efficient refrigerators may use only about 30 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity per month? That’s approximately 40% less than conventional refrigerators sold in 2001 and 100% (or much more!) of an improvement over vintage models from the 1980s or earlier that you may still have storing drinks in your basement or garage!

It’s true that old fridges are energy hogs that are quietly running up your electricity bill. It’s time to stop overpaying and cut the cord on these old appliances. And, if you’re a PPL customer here in Lancaster County, you may even be able to score a rebate when you recycle your refrigerator!

Is any particular refrigerator style the most energy efficient?

If you’ve begun refrigerator shopping recently, you have probably noticed that they come in in four basic styles—top-freezer, bottom-freezer, French-door, and side-by-side—each with a range of widths, heights, and depths. There are also compact or mini-fridges and a variety of built-in or “integrated” configurations that can offer a more customized fit in less standard kitchen spaces.

While smaller refrigerators (those measuring under the 19-22 cu. ft. capacity mark recommended for a family of four) tend to be a little bit more energy efficient than their larger peers, there isn’t one individual style that’s more efficient. The good news here is that you can select the style that works best for you instead of choosing, for instance, a side-by-side when you’d prefer a bottom-freezer model.

Some of the best ENERGY STAR refrigerators we sell

We’ve picked popular models from a few of our customers’ favorite brands to offer a general overview of new fridges you may want to consider. While our selection mostly represents the more compact end of the spectrum, don’t worry—we can help bulk shopping enthusiasts find suitable larger models, too. (Of course, our recommendation for these types of customers is to look at purchasing a separate dedicated freezer in addition to their main kitchen refrigerator/freezer.)

 

Whirlpool 36-inch Wide French-Door Refrigerator with Water Dispenser – 25 Cu. Ft.

Model # WRF535SWHB (available in Black Stainless & Stainless Steel finishes)

At 25 cubic feet in size, this Whirlpool French-door fridge is certainly family-friendly, offering more than enough space to store all of your fresh foods and plenty of leftovers! With an internal filtered water dispenser, you don’t have to worry about water messes on the floor from accidental presses of external buttons, either. You’ll appreciate the handy bottom freezer with ice-making capabilities, as well as lots of storage drawers and bins throughout.

Additional Features

  • Both black stainless and stainless steel finishes are fingerprint resistant.
  • Frameless glass shelves allow for wall-to-wall storage.
  • Efficient LED lighting saves energy and even makes food look better on the shelves.
  • Store gallon milk and juice jugs right in the door instead of on shelves.

 

GE 15.5 Cu. Ft. Top-Freezer Refrigerator

Model # GTE16GTHBB (available in Black, White & Stainless Steel finishes)

This particular GE refrigerator is rated #1 in dependability and reliability among 14-18 cu. ft. models based on survey data, and its small size is perfect for petite kitchens in condos or apartments. Or, choose this as the ideal “extra” drinks and snacks fridge for the garage or basement. With smart storage options, including gallon-friendly door shelving, you’ll find this fridge will hold more than first meets the eye.

Additional Features

Upfront temperature controls for both the fridge and freezer are easy to reach and use.

  • Adjustable, spill-proof glass shelves can contain up to 12 oz. of liquid for easy cleanup.
  • Equipped for optional add-on icemaker.
  • Doors can be installed to open from either right or left to accommodate tight spaces.

 

GE Profile™ Series 22.2 Cu. Ft. Counter-Depth French-Door Refrigerator

Model # PYE22KBLTS (available in Black Stainless, Slate & Stainless Steel finishes)

GE’s Profile appliances have sleek styling and convenient features that appeal to modern homeowners who appreciate understated design. This particular Profile refrigerator has counter-depth dimensions that mean it won’t visually overpower your well-planned kitchen design. It also has a host of smart capabilities like hands-free autofill on the external filtered water dispenser and an optional secondary icemaker.

Additional Features

  • Showcase LED lighting throughout and colored LED lighting in the full-width, electronic temperature-controlled drawer.
  • Turbo cool setting reacts to frequent door openings to keep food properly chilled.
  • Easily moveable shelves and a drop down tray in the door accommodate items of varying sizes.

 

GE Café™ Series 22.2 Cu. Ft. Counter-Depth French-Door Refrigerator with Hot Water Dispenser

Model # CYE22TP4MW2 (available in Matte White & Matte Black finishes)

Café Series appliances from GE feature more commercial-grade design cues and function without the true commercial-grade cost. This Café fridge brings a range of unique convenience features like a hot water dispenser and couples these with photo shoot-ready good looks. It’s also “smart,” with voice-activated tech built in.

Additional Features

  • Showcase LED lighting throughout and colored LED lighting in the full-width, electronic temperature-controlled drawer.
  • Advanced filtration for dispensed water and ice removes 98% of certain pharmaceuticals from publicly supplied water.
  • Built-in, brilliant-color LCD screen that has photo upload capabilities—right on the door.

 

Fisher & Paykel Integrated Refrigerator 16.8 Cu. Ft.

Model # RS36W80LJ1_N (Integrated finish is customizable to match your cabinetry – see us for details)

Looking for the ultimate in understated design? This Fisher & Paykel refrigerator has a fully customizable face to blend in with your cabinetry, as well as sleek hardware that complements many different design styles. While it doesn’t have a water dispenser, an automatic icemaker fills the built-in freezer bin and production is adjustable to account for entertaining.

Additional Features

  • Left hinge model can be fitted for a height of 80 or 84 inches.
  • Spill-safe and secure glass shelves easily capture any drips or leaks for easy cleaning.
  • Sturdy glass shelving offers a flexible array of storage configuration options.

 

Gochnauer’s has the Most Energy Efficient Refrigerators You Want to Buy

When you shop with us to find your next fridge here at Gochnauer’s Home Appliance Center in East Petersburg, PA, you’ll discover all the best brands and hundreds of individual model options to fit your space and your lifestyle.

Whether energy efficiency is your main concern in selecting the perfect refrigerator, or you’re more focused on looks, features, or fit in your kitchen, our appliance experts can recommend a fridge you’ll love. Contact us today or stop by the showroom to get the appliances you want and the personalized service you deserve.