from Judy in Oak Creek, WI:
#97
The sales person at the appliance store told me it’s not a good idea to keep my old refrigerator for extra storage when I was recently shopping for a refrigerator. Is that right?
It is not a good idea to keep an old refrigerator.
First, be sure to look for the ENERGY STAR label when shopping for your new model. ENERGY STAR qualified models can use half the energy of refrigerators manufactured prior to 1993. As for the old refrigerator, Focus on Energy suggests asking yourself how much the convenience of a second refrigerator is worth to you. On average, it could cost you $100 in electricity to keep it running all year. It would be more cost-effective to get rid of the old unit and buy a new ENERGY STAR qualified model big enough for both your daily and weekend needs. So, yes that sales person is correct.
If you determine that you must have a second refrigerator keep it full to enable it to run more efficiently or buy a compact-size fridge that fits your needs for the second refrigerator. ENERGY STAR qualified compact refrigerators and freezers use at least 20% less energy than required by current federal standards. Compacts are models with volumes less than 7.75 cubic feet.