So you’ve finally decided it’s time to change your fridge and you want a new one. But shopping for a refrigerator can be a daunting task. There are many models on the market, and besides, how do you know which one is best for you?
There are many things to consider when getting a new model. Most refrigerators will last many years without much trouble, but make sure you choose a model that has a great warranty along with a good track record. Also make sure that your model is energy efficient and easy to maintain and keep clean. Here are some refrigerator basics to help you make the right choice.
Get the basics right
o Measure things like the height, depth, and width of the space where you plan to store your new refrigerator. This is a good starting point for narrowing down your options.
o If you really want the refrigerator that has the ice and water dispenser, know that you will need access to a water line behind the refrigerator.
o Always make sure you have enough space behind the refrigerator for ventilation. This is essential for efficient operation.
o If your space is limited, be sure to measure the clearance, so you know how much space you need to open the refrigerator door to remove shelves, etc.
know what you need
Of all the major household appliances, refrigerators consume the most energy, since they are always on. Therefore, capacity is the most important consideration when choosing a new refrigerator. As a general rule of thumb, for a typical two-person household, you typically need about 10 to 12 cubic feet of food storage, and you should add an additional cubic foot for each additional person. Buying the right size is important as an unfilled refrigerator tends to use more energy and one that is too small will require too much rearranging on your part. Also, it’s important to remember that features like the bottom freezer or ice makers take up freezer storage space.
Keep efficiency high
Refrigerators typically consume about 10 to 12 percent of the total energy an average home consumes over a one-year period. Many of the older models, such as those built before 1999, do not meet Energy’s current energy usage guidelines and therefore may be considered inefficient. Current models have better compressors and motors and therefore this prevents unnecessary freezing of food keeping it fresher and healthier. Plus, better-insulated doors ensure cold air doesn’t escape, requiring less refrigeration. ENERGY STAR® models are designed to be extremely efficient and consume significantly less energy than previous models, nearly 30% less. Today’s energy efficient models not only save you money, but are also a more environmentally conscious choice.
Think about what you really need
Top freezers have the most usable storage space. On average, top or bottom freezer models are not only cheaper but also more efficient than side-by-side models. Also, the base models are the ones that require the least amount of maintenance. The more features you add to your refrigerator, the more energy it will use and the more likely it is to need repairs. In particular, refrigerators with ice makers require more repair than any other model.
Undercounter freezers are a no-no
Undercounter refrigerator drawers can be installed under kitchen counters or island counters in your kitchen. They are useful for storing drinks and other snacks that need to be kept at a lower temperature. However, these models are expensive and offer very little storage space as they are small. So while these models cost little to run, they are inefficient in terms of usage.
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