Basics for Buying :
For many, buying a new refrigerator is something that hasn't been done in over a decade, and for others, it's their first time out. Refrigerators are a major household appliance and there are a number of factors to consider. They are a serious investment and require a strategic approach. Before you get too far ahead of yourself, toss around the information below.
Energy Efficiency
Refrigerators require a non-stop supply of energy, and energy costs are not cheap. Selecting a refrigerator with an energy-efficient operation may be advantageous. The best way to select an energy efficient refrigerator is to look for the ENERGY STAR label. ENERGY STAR is the national symbol for energy efficiency. Refrigerators that have earned the ENERGY STAR label save energy and prevent greenhouse gas emissions by meeting strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy. ENERGY STAR standards are high, so in order for a model to earn the ENERGY STAR it must adhere to extensive guidelines. Before you get too attached to the looks of an in-store model, if energy savings is important to you, make sure you're considering ENERGY STAR qualified models. ENERGY STAR qualified refrigerators can save you up to $90 in energy bills over the course of the refrigerator's life, which on average is 13 yearsı.
ıRefrigerator lifetime: 13 years (2004 Appliance Magazine's Portrait of the U.S. Appliance Industry)
Finishing Touches
Putting the finishing touches on your refrigeration selection process is fun and creative. Today's models allow you to make the refrigerator a striking addition to your kitchen with trim kits, custom colors, French doors, fingerprint-resistant finishes, built-in designs, stainless-steel exteriors and more. Since the lifespan of a refrigerator is anywhere from 8-20 years, take the time to consider appearance as well as performance.
Food Preservation
A quality refrigerator does more than just store your food, it prolongs freshness. In order for food to remain its freshest, refrigeration systems must reach all parts of the interior. What good is a refrigerator if the items on the door do not receive the proper cooling? New and improved features, such as temperature-controlled compartments and advanced cooling systems, allow you to enjoy great taste over a longer period of time by helping food remain fresher, longer. Increased customization options make it easier to adjust your refrigerator to your exact preferences.
Storage
The abundance of adjustable shelves, bins, door racks and more provide incredible variety for a refrigerator's interior. Flexibility and versatility are major conveniences of many fresh and frozen food compartments. With specialized features, such as pizza shelves, slide-out shelves, crispers and gallon door bins, there are many ways to meet your storage needs.
Where to Begin
Before you dive into the sea of refrigerator types, storage options, performance features and designs, start off by analyzing your refrigeration needs. With the enticing features of today's models, it's easy to get off track from what you really need. Consider the following questions:
- How many people are in my household?
- What size will fit in my kitchen?
- How much fresh and frozen food storage space do I really need?
- Are there any special features that I should consider?
- What color and design complement my kitchen best?
- Do I wish to save money by utilizing energy-efficient features?
